This paper describes the development of integrated child care services
in Scotland with a particular focus on the role of residential child
care provision. It discusses changes in Social Work Department policie
s and the impact this has had on their relationship with the Children'
s Hearings system. Recent research shows the pattern of use of residen
tial and foster care in three Social Work Departments and issues in th
e development of residential services are identified. Three particular
examples of service integration are described: residential outreach w
ork; a centre for young people under an integrated management; and mul
ti-agency youth strategies. Social work and education services in Scot
land are in the process of radical change. In the context of the integ
ration of child care services, the paper discusses the impact of local
government reorganisation and changes in child care legislation.