Founded in 1963, Dartington Social Research Unit conducts scientific research into child development within the context of children s services with a view to informing interventions for children in need. Originating from a festschrift to celebrate the work of Roger Bullock, one of Dartington s first researchers and a Fellow of the Centre for Social Policy, this book from a prestigious author team examines developments in children s services over the past forty years, providing a context for future policy making. Ten key areas are covered including foster care and family support, while two overview chapters explore 40 years of Social Research and Gaps in the Knowledge and Future Challenges .