Issues in Foster Care : Policy, Practice and Research

This book assesses the current state of foster care, the pressures which have shaped it and the challenges it faces. Arguing the importance of fostering within a coherent child care policy, the contributors examine the latest research into the delivery and support of foster care, and explore how these can be improved.

Issues in Foster Care: Policy, Practice and Research assesses the current state of foster care, the pressures which have shaped it and the challenges it faces. Arguing the importance of fostering within a coherent child care policy, the contributors examine the latest research into the delivery and support of foster care, and explore how these can be improved. Topics covered include:measuring outcomes in foster care and what can be learned from themthe reasons for the growth of foster care at the expense of residential caresupporting young people making the transition from care to adulthoodhow children can be helped to develop their natural resiliencethe use of solution focused brief therapy to solve foster placement breakdownmanaging the behaviour of children in foster caredealing with abuse and accusations of abusekinship or relative care as an alternative form of foster care.As an analysis of what is currently happening within foster care, and of how it may develop in the future, Issues in Foster Care will be extremely valuable for all those involved in foster care, child care and policy-making.