Childrens homes have cultures which vary from the benign to the malignant. Using a distinctive cross-institutional design, this study of 48 childrens 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 childrens 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