Foster Families, A Practical Understanding

Foster Families, A Practical Understanding offers a comprehensive, evidence-based introduction to the principles, challenges, and practice of family foster care. Combining scientific research, interdisciplinary perspectives, and practical experience, it provides a clear framework for understanding one of today's most important child protection measures.

Across twenty chapters, the book examines the foster care journey—from its foundations and the preparation of foster families to attachment, trauma, everyday caregiving, collaboration with birth families, and life beyond care. Designed for foster families, practitioners, researchers, students, and policymakers, it serves as both an academic reference and a practical guide, promoting informed, evidence-based care that can make a lasting difference in children's lives.