Outlines England's child-care system, focusing on services to protect at-risk children or support families of children in need; explores the changing Department of Health interest in research on outcomes of different aspects of the system, including the role of social services in child protection, the Children Act, the residential child-care…

Argues that the voices of those who have been abused in residential care need to be considered in research on child abuse in residential settings. Considers the high percentage of child perpetrators, the focus on child control and restraint rather than development, and the potential dangers of dominant, charismatic leaders, and politically…

Reviews research on experiences of vulnerable and poor English multiracial families. Finds three emerging concerns: (1) relationship between family structure, locality and racism, and disadvantage and oppression; (2) the impact of family life on culturally defined gender roles; and (3) the limitations of current early years research and practice.…