Long term outcomes for looked after children are significantly poorer than children who are raised in birth families. Children within the care system have histories of profound abuse and trauma within the context of interpersonal relationships. This research aimed to explore how looked after children experience relationships within the context of ongoing trauma and loss. Interviews were conducted with young people in residential settings and staff supporting them. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three Super-ordinate themes were identified for young people and five super-ordinate themes were identified for staff. Implications for practice are explored.