The RHP Companion to Foster Care serves as an easy reference guide, while reviewing the breadth of available research and highlighting the dilemmas currently confronting those who plan and deliver the service. This comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of foster care will enable anyone studying and working in the field to understand better the complexities of this exacting activity. The first edition (1998) was hailed as an indispensable companion - 'Relevant to anyone studying or working in foster care...well worth reading.' Foster Care. 'All chapters without exception are well written, densely packed with information, balanced with respect to theory, policy and practice, and sufficiently short to provide easy, non-threatening sources of reference...I recommend it without reservation.' Child & Family Social Work. The second edition has been completely revised and updated, incorporating the great amount that has happened in the field since 1998. With a total of 35 chapters, including 7 completely new ones (e.g asylum seekers and refugee children, children with disabilities) the coverage is truly extensive.
Each chapter stands alone and can be read alone; and reflects the author's own opinions and enthusiasm for the topic. Between them, the authors have a wealth of experience. They include: foster carers; managers and practitioners in health and social care; members of voluntary and independent agencies; academics; consultants; planners and policy makers. There are also contributions from British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering, Fostering Networks and the Family Rights Group. Full details of contributors can be found at www.russellhouse.co.uk