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Growing up in foster care eBook only

Bookshop product- 978 1 873868 93 5 - Gillian Schofield, Mary Beek and Kay Sargent with June Thoburn

Long-term foster care is rarely mentioned as a positive option; yet, for a significant group of vulnerable children, growing up in a long-term foster family is their best chance of a secure family life. This research study provides a fascinating insight into the experiences of 58 children, their foster carers, a sample of their birth parents and their social workers.

Helping birth families

Bookshop product- 978 1 905664 95 5 - Elsbeth Neil, Jeanette Cossar, Paula Lorgelly and Julie Young

This research study explores and evaluates the growing area of adoption support of birth families where a child has been adopted. It is based on data collected from eight agencies providing independent support services to birth relatives, and from interviews with 73 birth relatives with recent experience of losing a child to adoption.

Holding on and hanging in

Bookshop product- 978 1 905664 78 8 - Lorna Miles

This compelling story, published as part of the Our Story series, tracks Wayne’s journey from first being fostered by Lorna at the age of nine, in a therapeutic fostering placement, through nearly four years of family life. Wayne is traumatised by his early experiences of neglect and domestic abuse. Even when surrounded by a team of experienced foster carers, counsellors and therapists, helping him grow and heal will be a long and difficult process. But Lorna and her family are determined not to give up hope…

In search of belonging

Bookshop product- 978 1 903699 77 5 - Edited by Perlita Harris

A thought-provoking anthology with more than 50 intensely moving testimonies. These writers convey the complexity for black and minority ethnic children of being raised by a white adoptive family.

Is it true you have two mums?

Bookshop product- 978 1 907585 15 9 - Ruby Clay

Published as part of the Our Story series, this is the heart-warming story of Ruby and Gail and their belief in their potential to adopt. The story charts their journey to becoming parents to their three daughters and offers a glimpse of their family life over these extraordinary years, as their family grows together.

Josh and Jaz have three mums

Bookshop product- 978 1 905664 12 2 - Hedi Argent

Josh and Jaz are five-year-old twins who have been adopted by a lesbian couple, Sue and Fran. This heartwarming picture book encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents and other diverse family groupings.

Keeping them in the family

Bookshop product- 978 1 905664 52 8 - Joan Hunt, Suzette Waterhouse Eleanor Lutman

This study provides invaluable information on the benefits and challenges of kinship care and what is to be done to enable it to be used effectively. The study tracked 113 children in England, removed from their parents’ care because of child protection concerns and placed with kin through the courts. The placements were then assessed in terms of: whether they lasted as long as necessary and provided good quality and safe care; the quality of the relationship between the child and carer; and how well the child was functioning.

Key changes to family justice (England)

Bookshop product- 978 1 910039 43 4 - Shefali Shah

This clear, concise guide supports practitioners and professionals by detailing recent changes in the law, including the Children and Families Act 2014, Family Justice Review and Fostering for Adoption. More importantly, it also explores how these changes are being applied in practice to meet children’s needs and reduce delay.