THE MANUAL WAS DEVELOPED BY STAFF OF A PROJECT TO PREVENT ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN FOSTER CARE. THE PROJECT OPERATED IN A SIX-COUNTY AREA AND WAS CONDUCTED BY THE SAN FRANCISCO CHILD ABUSE COUNCIL AND THE SAN FRANCISCO DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES. THE VOLUNTEER'S ROLE IS TO OFFER SUPPORT, ACT AS A MEDIATOR, REPORT ABUSE OR NEGLECT, ENSURE FOLLOWUP, AND PROVIDE INFORMATION AND REFERRALS. SUBJECT AREAS DISCUSSED INCLUDE STRESSES ARISING FROM FOSTER PARENTING AND THE CHILD/PARENT ROLE, EFFECTS OF ABUSE ON CHILDREN, EMOTIONAL EFFECTS OF FOSTER CARE PLACEMENT ON NATURAL PARENTS, DISCIPLINE AS AN ISSUE IN FOSTER CARE, AND THE PROBLEM OF CROSS-CULTURAL MISMATCHING OF FOSTER CHILDREN. A QUESTION AND ANSWER SECTION COVERS LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF FOSTER CARE IN CALIFORNIA. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED.