A book covering all aspects of leaving care was launched yesterday at the national leaving care conference at Southampton University.

The RHP Companion to Leaving Care, edited by the University's Ann Wheal in collaboration with leading fostering charity the Fostering Network, aims to help all those working or studying in the area of leaving care. The book has a foreword by the Fostering Network's president Lord Laming, and is expected to become the definitive guide to leaving care issues.

Written by leaving care practitioners, other professionals and academics, the book includes comment and observation by young people who are either in the care system or have left care. Topics covered include young people's participation, health, education and training, accommodation, supported lodgings and an international perspective.

Editor Ann Wheal said: "One year on from the implementation of the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000, this new book encapsulates the challenge facing everyone involved in making the new legislation work.

"The book aims to help all those working in the area of leaving care to develop policies and practices that will ensure care leavers have opportunities to achieve their potential and have happy and successful lives."

The RHP Companion to Leaving Care is available from Russell House Publishing (01297 443948, email: help@russellhouse.co.uk), priced £19.95. It complements The RHP Companion to Foster Care published in 1999.

The national leaving care conference, Working Together, is taking place yesterday and today (Thursday and Friday) at the University of Southampton.

The Fostering Network (formerly the National Foster Care Association) exists to ensure that all children who are fostered receive the highest standards of care. The charity's membership includes 99 per cent of local authorities and 19,000 foster carers.