A child-centred approach to foster care which argues against thinking about children purely from a psychological perspective and instead places children's views, rights and needs at the centre of care

Fostering is vitally important: the majority of looked after children are fostered, yet these children are often left out of the agenda and their voices are not heard.

This book sets out a child-centred approach to foster care which argues against thinking about children purely from a psychological perspective and instead places children's views, rights and needs at the centre of care. It sets out the theory behind working in partnership with children who are fostered, and discusses children's views about fostering systems and living with foster carers. The book then outlines how to put the theory into practice, offering models, processes and best practice examples. Practical advice is given on establishing effective communication and good working relationships between practitioners, carers and foster children.

This insightful book aims to promote better services and outcomes for fostered children, and will be essential reading for social work practitioners and students.

"This book... promotes a rights-based approach to social work with children and young people in foster care... This is an interesting and somewhat challenging book. It is not difficult to read or follow and offers interesting, valuable and usable information. Social workers working with children in care or with their caregivers, as well as managers and those involved in the provision of foster care services, should read this book and keep it close by as a book to refer to... A must read for anyone interested in the provision of child-focused social work with children in care." - Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work