With contributions from leading experts in the child welfare field, this book provides an overview of the best current evidence from research on "what works" in social care services for children and families. The research reviews are helpfully laid out in sections covering services for children who are looked after away from home; interventions aimed at reducing the social exclusion of children and young people; interventions aimed at protecting children or promoting their health. In addition to accessible summaries of the research in these areas, this book discusses the importance of research evidence to policy and practice and includes a commentary from young people themselves. This title should be of practical use to those working with vulnerable children, in particular social workers, teachers, youth workers and health care professionals. Its clear style and presentation of key messages will also make it an important text for students as we move to a greater understanding of the way in which intervening in children's lives needs to be based on good evidence.