In this paper, I identify how the child welfare challenges of Northern Ireland are partially similar to, and partially different from, those in the United States. To do so, I provide a discussion of current US child welfare legislation, critical prevailing themes, and observations regarding the similarities and differences with Northern Ireland legislation and child care practice. I outline the challenges that appear to be similar as both countries struggle to move toward systems that emphasize support for families rather than primarily child protection. Differences, too, in approaches and context are identified and discussed.