This is a comprehensive framework for the care needed by children and their famiies following a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury in children and adolescents is a significant epidemiological and health problem in all countries of the world. Severe brain injury forever alters the lives of affected children and their families. What has become clear is that there is also a ‘silent epidemic’ of mild head injury and that many children – for what is now recognised as the result of individual genetic differences and vulnerabilities or injury characteristics – are at risk of significant long-term cognitive and behavioural disabilities of varying severity. The future will hold promise for children who have had traumatic brain injury – neuroprotective strategies, advanced treatment in neurointensive settings and new rehabilitation techniques will all play a role in reducing disability. Preventative measures - with the regulatory and legislative strength of governments – hold the key to reduction in the incidence of traumatic brain injury.