A detailed report on the findings of a study which compared three types of permanent placement: adoption by strangers, adoption by carers and long-term foster care. It considers how best to meet the needs of children who cannot safely be reunited with their parents and how to provide emotional and legal security, a sense of permanence and positive outcomes. As adoption is not appropriate for all children who cannot return home, there has recently been a greater focus on other types of permanent placement - and this study addresses that issue.