Foster Carers : Why They Stay and Why They Leave

Wilson, Kate, Sinclair, Ian, Gibbs, Ian

ISBN 10: 1843101726 / ISBN 13: 9781843101727

Published by Kingsley Publishers, Jessica, 2004

About this Item

Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.

Seller Inventory # 42268894-75

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Foster Carers : Why They Stay and Why They Leave
• Publisher: Kingsley Publishers, Jessica
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1843101726
• ISBN 13: 9781843101727
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Foster carers look after two-thirds of the children cared for by English local authorities at any one time. The recruitment and retention of these carers is one of these authorities' central concerns. Against this background, Foster Carers examines the joys, sadnesses and strains of fostering, the support carers want and need, and the reasons why they continue or cease fostering.

Drawing on questionnaire responses from a thousand foster carers across seven different local authorities, the authors highlight the importance of providing support that:

* is adapted to the carers' families

* contains the basic elements of reasonable payment, relevant training and reliable social work support

* responds sensitively to serious crises and treats carers as part of a team

* meets the specific needs of carers such as carers' groups and relief breaks.

Foster Carers forms one part of the largest recent study into foster care in the UK. It is an invaluable resource for policy makers and practitioners, as well as local authorities formulating policies for the support and training needed by foster carers, and is essential reading for social work professionals, academics and foster carers themselves.

About the Authors

Kate Wilson is Professor of Social Work at the Centre for Social Work, University of Nottingham. She has researched and published widely in the fields of therapeutic work and child welfare, including books on social work with couples, social work in a legal context, non-directive play therapy, and adoption and fostering.

Ian Gibbs is a research consultant at the SWRDU at the University of York. His main area of research is looked after children, particularly those in residential care and foster care.