This text is based upon a research report, approved by the Department of Health, about the assessment, measurement and production of good quality care in children's homes. It addresses the continuing debate about the uncertainty surrounding the purpose of children's homes.

Children's homes have cultures which vary from the benign to the malignant. Using a distinctive ?cross-institutional? design, this study of 48 children's homes shows how some were characterised by widespread bullying, delinquency and low morale among both staff and residents whilst others were relatively peaceful and friendly. These differences are explained by the way these homes were resourced, managed and run, thus providing lessons for the future. This accessible text provides

• a much-needed insight into the management of children's homes and the impact on their residents
• perspectives from a large sample of children, parents, staff and social workers
• an examination of the effect on staff and residents of features such as the size of the home, staff ratios, the proportion of trained staff and the approach of the head

Commissioned by the Department of Health, this study is essential reading for practitioners in the social and welfare services and others with an interest in the well-being of deprived, troubled or delinquent young people.