Child and youth care needs to be professionalised. It has to be holistic but, as this book shows, that is far from true today. "The Federation Internationale des Communautes Educatives" has consequently produced this book to ensure that children facing such major difficulties that they require care outside their families are cared for in the best possible way.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 centres; the participation of children as a matter of quality; the professionalisation of child and youth care; and, new developments in foster care.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.