This manual was designed for use in training students and child welfare practitioners in case management methods that would help to reduce the number of children in long-term foster placement by intervening to help the child's own family cope with their problems. The first two sections describe the process of assessment, the formulation of contracts with clients, observation and recording. The next two sections focus on intervention methods. Case examples in which family problems center around parent child verbal interaction or parental alcohol and drug abuse are included as illustrations of some of these methods. The last section includes learning tasks to assist the reader in developing skills in the areas covered. An extensive list of references is included. (JMB)