Noting that over the last decade, the role of a foster parent has evolved from temporary caregiver to essential part of a professional team in determining the best long-term plan for children in their care, this guide focuses on practical ways in which best child welfare practice can be incorporated into the recruitment, training, and support of foster parents. The guide also examines ways that agencies can enhance the role of foster parents in a changing child welfare system. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction," including a history of foster care; (2) "The Roles of Foster Parents"; (3) "Foster Parent as Nurturer and Caregiver"; (4) "Foster Parent as Child Development Support"; (5) "Foster Parent as Disciplinarian"; (6) "Foster Parent as Supporter and Advocate in School Issues"; (7) "Foster Parent as Recruiter, Trainer, and Mentor to New Foster Parents"; (8) "Foster Parent as Mentor to Birth Parents"; (9) "Foster Parent as Facilitator of Relationship between Child and Birth Parents"; (10) "Foster Parent as Potential Adoptive Parent"; and (11) "Foster Parent as Team Member." (Contains 34 references and other resources.) (KB)