Abstract

A Practical Guide to Fostering Law is an accessible, jargon-free guide to the key elements of the law that concern foster carers and the professionals who work with them.

It aims to help foster carers understand where they fit into the complex web of regulations surrounding childcare and to demystify the jargon and terminology which is often used but rarely explained. The book covers the laws in England and Wales governing fostering agencies and foster carers themselves, including foster carers' rights, and the formalities of placement procedures. It also provides explanations of care proceedings, the foster carer as a witness, what happens if a young fostered person gets into trouble, and moving on from foster care. The last section provides a 'who's who' of the main professionals involved and a jargon-busting glossary of the key terms often used. It also includes illustrative case examples and each chapter concludes with suggestions for where to find more information.

This guide will be an invaluable resource for current and prospective foster carers and the professionals who work with them, such as support workers, social workers and foster agency staff.

Lynn Davis is a Consultant for Davis, Simmonds & Donaghey Solicitors in Kent, UK. She has specialised in child care law since 1989, acting as a solicitor for local authorities, parents and children. She provides training to foster carers and legal training for social workers and others involved in child protection, including the Kent Safeguarding Children Board. She has also taught on the law module for student social workers. She is the author of See You in Court and The Social Worker's Guide to Children and Families Law, both published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
A very readable, practical and clear guide to the minefield of regulations relating to fostering which I recommend as reading for all involved in fostering. This book is particularly useful for foster carers who need to understand the complex nature of the law in a straightforward way using case examples.
Jim Bond, Foster Carer and Chair, The Fostering Network
The key role that foster carers play in shaping children’s lives and futures is now being recognised. However, the demands and expectations placed upon them have increased significantly over recent years, as they work in ever more complex situations. Carers’ need for a good understanding of the legal and policy context has never been greater, and so a book which provides such a clear and comprehensive guide to the law is very timely. I know that many foster carers will welcome this useful tool, and others will enjoy the case studies and the links with daily life in fostering households.
Andrea Warman, Deputy Chief Executive /Programmes Director, The Who Cares? Trust.
An extremely useful resource for foster parents and those who work with them. All of the foster parents I work with felt that this would be an invaluable resource for them in their work
Steve Bromage, Team Leader, By the Bridge Independent Fostering Agency