This book effectively demonstrates the need for a holistic and professional approach to child and youth care. The Federation Internationale des Communautes Educatives has produced this book to provide guidelines, new developments, and concrete initiatives for the best possible care for children who are cared for outside their home. Part One discusses policies, theory and societal developments such as transforming government services for children; the UK’s contribution to child care research and policy development; and a holistic approach to child welfare. Part Two describes professional developments, special projects, and concrete initiatives in child care such as the preservation and rehabilitation of family relationships among children in residential care; crisis centers; participation of children as a matter of quality; the professionalization of child and youth care; and new developments in foster care. Contributors include James Anglin (Canada), Jürgen Blandow, Michael Winkler (both Germany), Roger Bullock, Adrian Ward, Keith White (all from England), Bojun Dekleva, Alenka Kobalt (both Slovenia), Emmanuel Grupper, Irit Miro, Anita Weiner (all from Israel), Josef Schiepl, Bettina Terp (both Austria). This book is essential reading for everyone who works directly with children and young people who require care outside their families. It will also be of value to their managers, and to lecturers and researchers, inspectors, government and NGO officials and others concerned about the care of children. Published with FICE–the Federation Internationale des Communautes Educatives.