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 providesa much-needed insight into the management of childrens homes and the impact on their residentsperspectives from a large sample of children, parents, staff and social workersan 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 headCommissioned 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.