Foster Care Beyond the Crossroads

Abstract

This article provides new inputs to the debate and practice of foster care. Lessons are drawn by analysing experience from a range of countries at different stages of economic development. Foster care is looked at in the context of the family, social networks, the state, non-governmental organizations and from the point of view of professional support provided in different contexts. It is argued that foster care should not be seen as an isolated process. Instead, it should be addressed within the context of wider child protective and child development measures and looked upon as one of a range of options.