This review of evidence from research on practice in the residential care of children and young people represents the first stage of a larger review of residential services undertaken for the National Assembly for Wales.What Works in Residential Child Care articulates the knowledge of residential care for children and young people within Wales and highlights significant features for the development of policy within Wales. This publication reworks the original 2003 review and includes up-to-date material.Commissioned by Welsh Assembly Government, What Works in Residential Child Care includes a literature review that draws on research from the UK and the US. The key messages apply throughout the UK.