This book assesses the current state of foster care in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the pressures which have shaped it, and the challenges it faces. Emphasizing the importance of fostering within a coherent child care policy, the contributors examine the latest research into key areas of foster care, and explore how practice can be improved. Following an introduction highlighting issues in the current system, the chapters are: (1) "The Survival of Long-Term Foster Care" (Greg Kelly); (2) "The Importance of Listening to the Child in Foster Care" (Robbie Gilligan); (3) "Outcome Studies of Foster Care" (Greg Kelly); (4) "Leaving Care and Fostering" (John Pinkerton); (5) "Promoting Resilience in Children in Foster Care" (Robbie Gilligan); (6) "Pathways to Change: The Application of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to Foster Care" (Stan Houston); (7) "Managing Children's Behaviour in Foster Care" (Ken P. Kerr); (8) "Safe Care, Abuse and Allegations of Abuse in Foster Care" (Stephen Nixon); and (9) "Relative Care: A Different Type of Foster Care--Implications for Practice" (Valerie O'Brien). All chapters contain references. (KB)