Stakeholders in Foster Care: An International Comparative Study.

Noting that foster care is in a state of flux and that existing systems of foster care are under pressure in many parts of the world, this report extracts lessons regarding the practice of foster care from a range of countries at various stages of economic and social development. The report examines foster care in the context of the family, social networks, the state and nongovernmental organizations, and from the point of view of professional support provided in different contexts. The discussion is set against the backdrop of international human development in which the notion of empowerment of all the stakeholders has gained particular prominence. Recommendations to improve the condition of children in need of foster care include: (1) more attention to preventive measures; (2) establishment of child-friendly public policies; (3) increased focus on personal accounts of foster children; (4) pursuit of a pro-family policy; (5) exploration of social networks for their foster caring potential; (6) increased professionalization of foster care; (7) creation of a research agenda; and (8) enhanced international cooperation in foster care. (Contains 14 references.) (KB)