Understanding Looked After Children - An Introduction to Psychology for Foster Care

The Children's Workforce Development Council believes the new foster care standards introduced in April 2008 represent an overdue recognition of foster carers' professionalism and expertise. This book, by three writers skilled in psychology, counselling and systemic psychotherapy respectively, will support this development. I am delighted that the foster care workforce, too often rather patronised by other childcare professionals, is being offered a text of this sophistication.

The book consists of 10 chapters, with handy checklists, questionnaires and often subtly-chosen case studies. What is provided is a lucid overview of the varied psychological needs of fostered children, and the demands they will make of their carers. The three authors speak in individual voices - sometimes the tone is experiential, sometimes analytic and enquiring. A stimulating range of theory, research and policy context is well referenced. But membership of fostering panels is prescribed by the Fostering Regulations 2002, not by the Children Act 1989 as suggested here. More could also have been said about the concept of permanence.