This book examines the current state of residential group care for dependent, neglected and emotionally disturbed children in the United States and Canada. A result of the Group Care Project of the Child Welfare League of America, the book is divided into four parts. Part I describes the project, puts group care into historical and sociological perspective, and enumerates the major questions raised during the course of the project. Part II discusses services and settings and examines what type of child is being served in what kind of facility. Part III examines the role of group care within the social service system, focusing particularly on the relationship between the public and voluntary sectors. Part IV draws some conclusions from the project's findings. In addition to surveying much of the literature of the past ten years, the project selected eight states and one Canadian province for intensive study, with one city in each state chosen for a staff-member visit. Interviews with administrators and other personnel and questionnaires addressed to group care providers were supplemented by consultations with a wide range of specialists in child care and treatment. Major issues considered include the need for group care, types of care, licensing procedures, the linkage system, voluntary agencies and the public sector, costs of group care, emergency care, parent role and children's rights. (BF)