A systematic review of kinship carer surveys and population studies: messages for policy and practice

Meredith KiralyResearch Fellow, University of Melbourne

BASPCAN Congress, Edinburgh,April 2015

Australian foster care and protective kinship care (Figures from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)

Definitions

Kinship care Care within the family or friendship network of the child; ‘Family & friends care’; ‘Kith & kin care’.

Non-familial kinship care

Kinship care provided by an unrelated person well-known to the child, eg family friend. UK: ‘friends care’. Australia: sometimes, ‘kith care’.

Grandparent care Care provided by grandparents.

Informal kinship care

Kinship care arranged privately between parents & carers.

Statutory (formal) care; ‘Looked after’.

Protective care where abuse has been substantiated by Child Protection, provided in an authorised setting such as foster care, kinship care, or residential care.

Why this review?• 13 kinship care surveys over the

years 2007-2013.• Resources for research are thin on

the ground – argument for making the most of the data already available.

• Total of over 3,000 respondents - an opportunity to identify outstanding findings and messages for policy and practice.

The surveys4 Australian

Uni of NSW Grandparents studyUni Western Sydney statutory carersUni of Melbourne statutory carersKinship Care Victoria

8 British Family Rights Group, LondonGrandparents Plus, LondonChildren 1st, Scotland

1 New ZealandGrandparents raising Grandchildren Trust

However, the data is biased…

Surveys focus on grandparent care (61-100% of respondents across all surveys).

UK census study

University of NSW census study of grandparent carers

UK Understanding Society Survey (smaller study)

Not only but also…three population studies

MethodologyA systematic, configurative review of quantitative and qualitative data (Gough, Oliver & Thomas, 2012).

Narrative synthesis approach (Ridley, 2012); methods for analysis described by Petticrew & Roberts (2006).

Formal literature search for surveys and inquiries via key informants in Australia, NZ, UK, USA and Ireland.

Selected items:Survey reports published 2009 − 2013Population studies published 2011 − 2013.

Types of familial kinship care, UK 2001 (formal and informal care)Spotlight report, Nandy & Selwyn (2011)

We don’t yet know…In Australia:

The extent of familial kinship care (informal and formal).

The relationship between statutory carers and children in their care (‘looked after children’).

Anywhere in the world?The incidence of non -familial or ‘friends care’ …

Results

Demographics

Over one-third of respondents in each survey were sole carers; respondents were almost always female.

Nearly half of all carers were looking over more than one kinship child.

Age range varied according to groups targetted.

We can never afford to go anywhere or do anything as everything costs money. I feel like a beggar all the time. (‘Harsh Reality’, UK)

I have no other problems with my grandchildren, I love them dearly and they bring me so much joy, but I need money. (‘Run Nana, Run’, NSW Australia)

Financial hardship was reported by one-third or more of survey respondents in every survey

Finances

Health

High levels of physical and mental health issues (e.g. two surveys found 40%+ of grandparents had a long-term illness or disability).

Both my wife and I came so close to physical and emotional breakdown. (‘Run Nana, Run’, NSW Australia)

‘We’re very fortunate that we have one another. We’re old. Bob is 72 and I’m 70. This is just so hard, as it is for everyone because physically we get very tired. We have no respite. Our daughter is a great help but she has three teenagers and she works full-time.’ (‘Family Links’, Victoria Australia)

The stress on caregivers

Parental contact

High levels of parental contact, and a significant level of difficulty with contact arrangements.

There is great tension created in the house, fear, uncertainty and alarm for grandparents. The little girl doesn’t understand but attempts to manage the relationship. (‘Family Links’, Victoria, Australia)

We had to battle every inch of the way, and it takes its toll emotionally. (‘Run Nana, Run’, NSW, Australia)

Legal issues, including multiple court cases

legal aid

respite care

emotional support

parental contact

Myriad unmet support needs including:

I am very hurt by this kinship arrangement. I put in 100% and get nothing back. Nobody is there for me and to support me. (‘Family Links’, Victoria, Australia)

Blimey, I would need a bigger box to type it all in. (‘With Family’, UK)

help with children’s schoolwork

help with emotional & behavioural issues

Despite considerable burdens of care, many survey respondents described the joy and satisfaction they derived from their caring role.

Getting the love of the children is a pleasure. (‘With Family’, UK )

The joy of caring

A bright note? Education

Two surveys reported on children’s education; more children than not were reported to be making good or excellent educational progress.

My grandson is very bright, top of his class…Maybe because he has been in my care since birth and he is happy with his secure attachment. (‘View over time’, New Zealand)

Areas for further research

Census development and research to determine the incidence and nature of non‑familial and familial kinship care in Australia, including sibling kinship carers.

Educational outcomes for children in kinship care.

We love caring for all the children and see them develop and gain confidence. It is not an easy path at times but it is not dull! Kinship care seems to be the “Cinderella” of the care system, so I hope your research project might help these people. (‘Family Links’, Victoria, Australia)

Methodology references

1. Gough, D., S. Oliver, et al. (2012). An Introduction to Systematic Reviews. London, Sage.

2. Petticrew, M. and H. Roberts (2006). Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing.

3. Ridley, D. (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students. London, Sage.

Further information

Report available at website of the Australian Institute of Family Studies www3.aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications

Comments, questions and feedback are very welcome:

Meredith Kiraly mkiraly@unimelb.edu.au