Although much is available in the child welfare literature about families and casework process and procedures, there is little literature available that has the child as its primary focus. This book focuses on a child's feelings, needs, and behaviors once the decision has been made to place the child in foster care. Several themes evident throughout the seven chapters of the book are the significance of interpersonal relationships, the necessity of building alliances with children and adults by enhancing communication skills, increasing the individual's knowledge of self, and the importance of developing a plan for the continuity of relationships throughout a lifetime. Chapter 1 examines the functions of close interpersonal connections and how attachments between children and families develop. Chapter 2 discusses aspects of normal child development. Separation and loss are the subjects of chapter 3, including descriptions of the normal grief process and the factors that influence it. Chapter 4 covers transitions and ways to minimize the trauma of moves when they must occur. Assessment and case planning skills necessary for successful resolution of placement cases are presented in chapter 5. Chapter 6 discusses the treatment of common behavioral problems of the child in placement, addressing both immediate interventions and the underlying needs. Chapter 7 examines children's use of non-verbal communication over speech, and the importance of adults learning to listen to children's behaviors and enhancing their own skills when communicating with their children. Contains over 120 references. (TJQ)