A wide range of information pertaining to foster care and the role of foster parents is presented in this handbook. The nature of and the need for foster care are discussed briefly. Specific information is presented on the relationship of foster children to their parents, the court, their custodian and their guardian, and the process of becoming a foster parent (recruitment, the application process, screening, and foster parent education) is discussed. The rights and responsibilities of the social worker/agency, foster parents, and natural parents are delineated, with the importance of teamwork highlighted. The placement procedure is described in detail including preparation for placement, suggestions for facilitating successful adjustment to placement, and what happens when a placement proves unsuccessful. Specific financial information is provided on foster care payment rates, income tax, medical and educational costs, and foster parents' liability insurance. Several aspects of providing care for the foster child are discussed, including discipline, religion, confidentiality, subsidized adoption, and complaints. Foster parent associations are discussed briefly. Appendices include copies of various forms involved in the process of becoming a foster parent and a book list recommended for use with foster children. (JMB)