This study proposes a first portrait of children placed with a significant person (SP) in Québec since the introduction of new youth protection legislative provisions and of procedures governing the placement process. All children evaluated by Youth Protection in 2007-2008 and placed with an SP (n = 941) or in a foster home (FH) (n = 1586) by November 2009 were included in the study. The findings suggest that children placed with an SP show less vulnerability than those placed in FHs, even if the seriousness of their situation requires intervention by the legal system in similar proportions. They also show that placement with an SP occurs at the start of the process and that children are returned home for the care phase in 38 % of cases. These findings are discussed in light of the current knowledge of this type of placement in other countries. Approaches to improve this increasingly frequent youth protection practice are identified.