Addressed primarily to direct service personnel and others interested in direct work with parents, this book includes a collection of articles reflecting different perspectives on and approaches to parents involved with the foster care system. Following introductory chapters which examine the emerging focus of interest on parents of children in placement and the role of the caseworker in working with parents of such children, the book is divided into the following sections: perspectives of early child welfare professionals on the topic; discussions from an ecological perspective on the topic; discussions from a sociocultural perspective on the topic; examinations of pertinent legal issues; viewpoints on the importance of parents for children in placement; viewpoints on the impact of child placement on parents; perspectives on programs and methods of working with parents; and discussions of special aspects of child welfare, including worker burnout and parent-child visitation. Each section is prefaced by a brief discussion of the particular readings and their relevance, as well as suggestions for further reading. (Author/MP)