This text was written in reponse to the heavy increase in admissions of adolescents to care in both Britain and America. It provides an introduction for social work students and practitioners to the placement of children over 12 and to the various forms of foster care which have been developed on both sides of the Atlantic for this group. It draws equally on British and American experience, presenting a theoretical base combined with coverage of successful practice. It deals with such isues as: the conceptual map on which social work practice should be based; the use of agreements in foster family placements; preparation for independent living; assessment and training of foster families; the experience of young people in foster care; and strategies for helping them make a success of their placements, with an emphasis on practice examples. The text should be useful to all those who work with adolescents, especially in such areas as employment, housing and juvenile crime, including probation officers and magistrates.