Kinship care

Authors

  • Bob Broad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v13i1.467

Keywords:

Children, kinship care, fostering, permanency, policy

Abstract

This article summarises the main research evidence about children living in kinship care placements in the United Kingdom (UK). It identifies key themes emerging from the literature and concludes with policy and practice recommendations. It is argued that whilst the evidence about kinship care outcomes is equivocal it nevetheless indicates that kinship care is at least as good as other placements and that it should become more integrated into permanency planning and family support, and be propery recognised, financed and supported.

References

Aldgate, J. and McIntosh, M. (2007) <i>Looking after the Family: A study of children looked after in kinship care in Scotland</i>. Edinburgh: Social Work Inspection Agency\nBroad, B. (2004) Kinship care for children in the UK: Messages from research, lessons for policy and practice. <i>European Journal of Social Work,</i> 7, 2, 211-227\nBroad, B. (2006) Some advantages and disadvantages of kinship care: A view from research. in M. Talbot and M. Calder, (Eds.) <i>Assessment in Kinship Care</i>. Lyme Regis: Russell House (pp.13-24)\nBroad, B. (2007) <i>What is a Grandparent? A digest of key facts</i>. Harlow: Grandparents Association\nBroad, B. (2007) <i>Kinship care: Providing positive and safe care for children living away from home.</i> London: Save The Children Fund\nBroad, B. and Skinner, A. (2005) <i>Relative Benefits: Placing children in kinship care</i>. London: BAAF, London\nBroad, B. (Ed.) (2001) <i>Kinship care: The placement choice for children and young people.</i> Lyme Regis: Russell House\nBroad, B., Hayes, R., and Rushforth, C. (2001 <i>Kith and Kin: Kinship care for vulnerable young people</i>. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation/National Children's Bureau\nDepartment of Health (1998) <i>Quality Protects</i>. London: DoH\nDepartment of Health (2002) <i>Fostering Services National minimum standards, fostering services regulations</i>. London: DfES\nDfES (2006a) <i>Statistics of Education: Children looked after by local authorities</i>. Year ending 31 March 2005 Volume 1: Table K. London: DfES\nDfES (2006b) <i>Care Matters: Transforming the lives of children and young people in care</i>. London: DfES\nDfES (2007) <i>Care Matters: Time for change</i>, London: DfES\nFamily Rights Group (2007) <i>The Role of the State in Supporting Families and Friends Raising Children Who Cannot Live with Their Parents. A policy response to the</i> Care Matters <i>Green Paper</i>. [A joint response from 15 organisations] London: Family Rights Group\nFarmer, E. and Moyers, S. (forthcoming) <i>Kinship Care: Fostering effective family and friends placements.</i> London: Jessica Kingsley\nFarmer, E. and Moyers, S. (2006) <i>Children placed with family and friends: Placement patterns and outcomes</i>. executive summary. Bristol: University of Bristol\nFreeman, P. and Ingham, J. (2006) Multiple child abuse that involves wider kin networks and family friends within intergenerational networks: A theoretical model. in M. Talbot and M. Calder, (Eds.) <i>Assessment in Kinship Care</i>. Lyme Regis: Russell House (pp.87-97)\nGeen, R. (2003) The evolution of kinship care policy and practice. <i>Children, Families and Foster Care</i> 14, 1, 131-149\nHunt, J. (2003) <i>Family and Friends Carers</i>. London: DoH\nHunt, J., Waterhouse, S., and Lutman, E. (2007) <i>Keeping Them in the Family: Outcomes for abused and neglected children placed with family and friends carers though care proceedings</i>. unpublished draft report for DfES. Oxford: University of Oxford\nJackson, S. and Thomas, N. (1999) <i>What Works in Creating Stability for Looked After Children?</i> Barkingside, Essex: Barnados\nKroll, B. and Cornwall, J. (2006) The impact of substance misuse on kinship care and the implications for assessment. in M. Talbot and M. Calder, (Eds.) <i>Assessment in Kinship Care</i>. Lyme Regis: Russell House (pp.99-121)\nRowe, J., Hundleby, M., and Garnett, L. (1989) <i>Child Care Now: A survey of placement patterns</i>. London: BAAF\nScottish Executive (2004) <i>Statistics Publication Notice. Health and Social Care Series: Children's social work statistics, 2003-4</i>. available at children@scotland.gsi.gov.uk\nScottish Executive (2005) <i>Statistics Publication Notice. Health and Social Care Series: Children's social work statistics, 2004-5</i>. available at children@scotland.gsi.gov.uk\nSykes, J., Sinclair, I., Gibbs, I., and Wilson, K. (2002) Kinship and stranger foster carers: How do they compare? <i>Adoption and Fostering,</i> 26, 2, 38-48\nTalbot, C. and Calder, M. (Eds.) (2006) <i>Assessment in Kinship Care</i>. Lyme Regis: Russell House\n

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Published

2012-12-20

How to Cite

Broad, B. (2012). Kinship care. Social Work and Social Sciences Review, 13(1), 59-74. https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v13i1.467

Issue

Section

Articles