The Lives of Foster Carers

Analyzes the contradictions, conflicts, and ambiguities experienced by foster carers arising from the inter-penetrations of public bureaucracy and private family life. This book covers topics, such as: social policy pertinent to childcare; the history of foster care service; available literature on the experience of foster carers; and more.

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The Lives of Foster Carers analyzes the contradictions, conflicts, and ambiguities experienced by foster carers arising from the inter-penetrations of public bureaucracy and private family life. Topics covered include:




social policy pertinent to childcare
the history of foster care service
available literature on the experience of foster carers
public versus private domains in foster care
motivations and roles of foster carers
how foster carers perceive themselves and their foster children.


Based on a wide range of literature and in-depth interviews with forty-six foster carers, this book provides a valuable insight into the concerns, processes and experiences of foster carers in the UK. Jargon free and accessible, it will appeal to foster carers, practitioners, students and academics in social care, youth work and childcare as well as policy makers in children’s services.