This manual was developed for use in foster parents' day-to-day life with the children in their care. It gives them practical information on topics like medical care, payments, and the role of the court, and also provides guidance on areas like welcoming a child, discipline, and parent visits. The manual emphasizes the role of foster parents in working together with caseworkers and birth parents in helping foster children achieve permanency. Each chapter contains information on state policies related to foster parenting. Where relevant, foster parents are encouraged to check with the foster care agency for local policies on specific issues. This manual is divided into 8 chapters: (1) Being a Foster Parent; (2) When a Child Comes into Foster Care; (3) Communication, Ongoing & Emergency; (4) Getting Started, the Basics; (5) Daily Life; (6) Teamwork; (7) Concerns for Foster Parents; and (8) Adopting a Foster Child. The following are appended: (1) Certification and Approval of Foster Homes; and (2) Positive Approaches to Discipline. (Contains 2 charts and a glossary.) [This Manual was developed by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services.]