Books, booklets & multimedia

Foster Placements – Why they succeed and why they fail

	Price: £18.95	Jessica Kinglsey Publishers 2004 ISBN 1 84310 173 4

Foster placements can have a dramatic impact on children’s own behaviour and well-being, and on their foster families. But how can we determine success in foster placements? Based on exhaustive research, the authors discuss the primary concerns in foster placement planning, considering the high frequency of placement breakdowns, their impact on the child’s behaviour and school performance, and the challenges this places on foster families. The specific needs of the foster child are given close attention in determining a pathway to success. By monitoring and describing the individual characteristics of the child within the context of the placement, the authors are able to reveal what types of support are most beneficial.

The book blends statistical data with case studies and personal accounts from foster carers, social workers and the children themselves. It is an essential and stimulating read for social workers, policy makers and foster families concerned with the susses of foster placements.