This research analyses the level of psychosocial adaptation of young victims of physical neglect who are under care orders for their protection and in residential care centres. The aim was to determine the relationships between the different levels of competence and/or functioning in the various areas of adaptation. Young people between the ages of 12 and 14 years participated in the study. The instruments used to evaluate their psychosocial adaptation were the Inventory of Behavioural Adaptation and the Multifactorial Self‐evaluation Child Adaptation Test. The results indicate that young people suffering from physical neglect have difficulties in various areas of psychosocial adaptation. There is evidence of greater problems in the personal, social and school context than in the family context. The study stresses the importance of programmes applied in residential care centres and individualised educational treatments for the psychosocial adjustment of these young people, while also taking into account the personal, social and family circumstances that surround them. ‘Analyses the level of psychosocial adaptation of young victims of physical neglect who are under care orders’ Key Practitioner Messages This research analyses psychosocial adaptation of young victims of physical neglect under care orders or institutionalised in residential care centres. The sample was made up of young people institutionalised in residential care centres. Results point to difficulties in various areas of psychosocial adaptation. There is evidence of greater problems in the personal, social and school context than in the family context. The study stresses the importance of the programmes applied in the residential care centres.