Publisher's Synopsis
The central part of this book reports a small scale qualitative study in which foster carers from a range of fostering agencies identify and evaluate various methods of support. They speak for themselves about social workers and their managers, groups, training, respite care, specialist advice, finance and the exchange of mutual support. The book begins however with an extensive survey of relevant practice literature and research studies in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America which trace the emergence of short-term fostering; its successes and breakdowns, its carers and their tasks. It includes an in-depth description of the provision of support services to temporary foster carers throughout this country. The author concludes by offering practical advice to agency staff and carers alike on implementing and sustaining a comprehensive support service to foster carers.
