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The African child in kinship care: A systematic review

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  • Ariyo, Esther
  • Mortelmans, Dimitri
  • Wouters, Edwin

Abstract

This study investigates the difference in the well-being of children in kinship care when compared to children in other care settings within Africa, examining factors that are associated with their well-being outcomes. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen databases and websites were searched for empirical studies conducted in Africa between 2000 and 2017. Studies were included if they compared children in kinship care with other care settings. 23 studies were included and retained in the review. The degree of relatedness of carer to the child, socio-economic status of fostering households, gender and age were identified as factors contributing to the well-being of children in kinship care. The degree of relatedness to the caregiver and socio-economic status of the fostering household were the strongest determinants of the well-being of children in kinship care. This review finds that parental care remains the best care setting and should be highly encouraged within African society. However, outside of parental care kinship care is the most sustainable and affordable form of care for children in Africa. The evidence suggests that systems that support the placement of children with close kin members and ensure economic strengthening programs for poor families with children should be supported and put in place by the African governments.

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  • Ariyo, Esther & Mortelmans, Dimitri & Wouters, Edwin, 2019. "The African child in kinship care: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 178-187.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:98:y:2019:i:c:p:178-187
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.12.013
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Cho, Esther Yin-Nei & Yu, Fuk-Yuen, 2020. "A review of measurement tools for child wellbeing," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    3. Bennell, Paul, 2021. "The educational attainment of orphans in high HIV countries in sub-Saharan Africa: An update," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    4. Datzberger, Simone & Parkes, Jenny & Bhatia, Amiya & Nagawa, Rehema & Kasidi, Joan Ritar & Musenze, Brian Junior & Devries, Karen, 2024. "Young people’s experiences of informal kinship care in Luwero, Uganda," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    5. van der Brug, Mienke & Hango, Veronika N., 2024. "Experiences of grief and maltreatment among orphans in foster homes in Namibia," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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