This book, written by an experienced foster parent, discusses the unique experience of being a foster parent and presents practical guidelines for foster parents. The first section focuses on the foster child and contains chapters on self-assessment to determine foster parenting potential, welcoming the foster child, coping with problems, and discipline. The second section examines the agency role with chapters on the job of the caseworker and on sharing responsibility. The third section contains chapters on the relationship between the child's parents and foster parents and on parental visits. The final section looks at growing through foster parenting with chapters on personal and family growth and on foster parents and the foster care program. A list of the responsibilities and obligations of the foster parents and of the agency is appended. (JMB)