In the past forty years both health policy and educational policy in England have adopted commitments to reducing socially created inequalities. However, an inequalities perspective has only begun to emerge in relation to child protection, and child welfare services more widely. This review article charts evidence of these green shoots of a new policy direction which focuses on two aspects: equalising service provision and outcomes for looked after children. The article outlines theargument for a more comprehensive approach to addressing inequalities and concludes by suggesting some implications for policy and practice