Relative foster care : a family state discourse

In this paper, preliminary analysis of research by the author in the area of relative care is presented. Four main areas relevant to the family : state discourse with respect to relative foster care are examined : The historical evolution of state care within which relative care is located, The changes in family : state relationships arising out of the increased use of relative foster care, The systemic ideas used in my research, and showing how these ideas assist in understanding the evolving relationships between family and state, The issues concerning the orientation of future development of this care option.