This policy brief is based on the workshop held at Queen’s University Belfast to explore grandparents’ experiences of kinship care from different perspectives, including research, policy and personal experience. It summarises the main issues from the presentations and examines the themes that emerged from the discussions. These cover: gender roles, financial pressures and taking on the role of kinship carer unexpectedly. The briefing shows that kinship carers provide a valuable resource to families and that any barriers or inequalities carers face must be recognised and tackled. The workshop discussions also show that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not work in kinship care, because each situation is so unique. It calls for more progress to support older kingship carers in the UK, especially older male carers which are missing from policy debates.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This policy brief is based on the workshop held at Queen’s University Belfast to explore grandparents’ experiences of kinship care from different perspectives, including research, policy and personal experience. It summarises the main issues from the presentations and examines the themes that emerged from the discussions. These cover: gender roles, financial pressures and taking on the role of kinship carer unexpectedly. The briefing shows that kinship carers provide a valuable resource to families and that any barriers or inequalities carers face must be recognised and tackled. The workshop discussions also show that a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not work in kinship care, because each situation is so unique. It calls for more progress to support older kingship carers in the UK, especially older male carers which are missing from policy debates.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
kinship care, older people, grandparents, foster care, access to services;
Families, Relationships and Societies, 7(2), 2018, pp.227-247.
Publisher:
Policy Press
Place of publication:
Bristol
This study describes an investigation into the characteristics, needs and experiences of kinship foster carers in Northern Ireland. By adopting a mixed-methods approach with 54 carers, a number of salient themes was captured. The respondents were predominantly grandparents who experienced a significant incidence of health-related issues. The cohort also endured high levels of stress, particularly
(Edited publisher abstract)
This study describes an investigation into the characteristics, needs and experiences of kinship foster carers in Northern Ireland. By adopting a mixed-methods approach with 54 carers, a number of salient themes was captured. The respondents were predominantly grandparents who experienced a significant incidence of health-related issues. The cohort also endured high levels of stress, particularly at the beginning stage of the foster placement. Consequently, their need for practical, emotional and respite support was most evident. In terms of the children for whom they cared, many required help at school, and some presented with challenging emotions and behaviours. Overall, these findings emphasised the importance of relationship-based social work and demonstration of accurate empathy to the carer.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
kinship care, needs, carers, foster carers, grandparents, health needs, short break care, stress, social work approaches;