Children Looked After in England – Reflections on the Past, Present and Future

Abstract

This paper explores the debates surrounding out-of-home care for children who are unable to live with their birth parents and become looked after by the state in England. The historical context for the provision of out-of-home care is considered. Themes, including the use of residential care, foster care, adoption and placements of children from Black and minority ethnic children, are identified. These themes are reexamined in light of the current political and policy context, including the impact of globalisation. The paper concludes some reflections on future trends.