This article by Edwina Peart provides information on a little known subject, private fostering. It builds on the work of Holman (1973, 2002) and Philpot (2001) who provide the only other studies of this type of care. The focus adopted represents a shift from the dominance of a professional perspective in these earlier studies. Within the current policy context, the study is timely as it explores both the benefits and dangers of this form of child care. It also adds to the debate on transracial adoption
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