Portrayals of looked after children often rely on misconceptions about their needs, experiences and development. While their disadvantaged status should not be ignored, poor outcomes are often emphasised at the expense of good ones and pejorative stereotypes can prevail. In light of two recent publications, Care Matters (DfES, 2006) and Handle with Care (Sergeant, 2006), A D Hare and Roger Bullock seek to dispel some of these misconceptions and provide a more accurate picture of looked after children. While such attempts to promote the welfare of looked after children and young people are welcome, questions are raised about whether theirs is the best approach.
