WHAT: This document contains a set of basic principles for foster care. It includes chapters on recruiting, selecting and training caregivers, placing children, evaluating placements, and the functions of social workers.
WHO: Social and community workers, managers, policy makers, foster caregivers.
WHERE: The guidelines are based on the Romanian context, with reference made to national laws and institutions. The document is more relevant to former Soviet countries; however it can be adapted to suit other contexts.
WHY: It provides detailed guidance on the process of recruiting and accrediting foster caregivers and the roles of social workers in setting up suitable foster care placements.
N.B. Throughout this document the foster caregiver is referred to as a professional maternal assistant.
