Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to combine the contributions of researchers and practitioners so as to offer a set of ideas which will challenge existing practice, but also suggest models of good practice. It argues that kinship fostering is already a significant element in child placement, and is in many ways an ideal way of minimising disruption to the child and working in genuine partnership with the family. The book shows that increased attention needs to be given to developing sound policy and practice, and to giving the placements priority when a child must move. It examines the issues from the perspective of Black and ethnic minorities: fostering by relatives may well prove a very important way of avoiding the removal of children from their own community and culture.