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Parenting Experiences of Informal Kinship Caregivers: Similarities and Differences between Grandparents and Other Relatives

Author

Listed:
  • Eun Koh

    (National Catholic School of Social Service, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA)

  • Laura Daughtery

    (National Catholic School of Social Service, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA)

  • Yongwon Lee

    (School of Counseling Psychology & Social Welfare, Handong Global University, Pohang 37554, Republic of Korea)

  • Jude Ozughen

    (National Catholic School of Social Service, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA)

Abstract

Informal kinship care, an arrangement that is made without the involvement of a child welfare agency or a court, makes up the majority of kinship arrangements in the United States. However, the current literature on informal kinship care is very limited. In response, this study explored informal kinship caregivers’ parenting experiences, comparing those of grandparents and other relatives. Anonymous survey responses from 146 informal kinship caregivers (114 grandparents and 32 other relatives) were analyzed. This study found similarities and differences between grandparents and other relatives. Compared to other relatives, grandparents were significantly older and less likely to be married. Over 60% of the caregivers, both grandparents and other relatives, had an annual household income of USD 50,000 or less but did not receive any governmental benefits. Furthermore, other relatives accessed and utilized community resources at significantly lower rates. This study observed significant challenges of informal kinship families, including financial difficulties and child mental health/behavioral issues. At the same time, it noted their strengths and resilience, with most participants reporting a positive perception of their caregiving experience. Programs and services for informal kinship families should reflect their unique experiences, building upon their strengths and resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Eun Koh & Laura Daughtery & Yongwon Lee & Jude Ozughen, 2024. "Parenting Experiences of Informal Kinship Caregivers: Similarities and Differences between Grandparents and Other Relatives," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:36-:d:1346698
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Strozier, Anne & McGrew, LaSandra & Krisman, Kerry & Smith, Aaron, 2005. "Kinship care connection: A school-based intervention for kinship caregivers and the children in their care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(9), pages 1011-1029, September.
    2. Cuddeback, Gary S., 2004. "Kinship family foster care: a methodological and substantive synthesis of research," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(7), pages 623-639, July.
    3. Hegar, Rebecca L. & Rosenthal, James A., 2009. "Kinship care and sibling placement: Child behavior, family relationships, and school outcomes," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(6), pages 670-679, June.
    4. Berrick, Jill Duerr & Hernandez, Julia, 2016. "Developing consistent and transparent kinship care policy and practice: State mandated, mediated, and independent care," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 24-33.
    5. Koh, Eun & Daughtery, Laura & Ware, Allysa, 2022. "Informal kinship caregivers’ parenting experience," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    6. Lin, Ching-Hsuan, 2018. "The relationships between child well-being, caregiving stress, and social engagement among informal and formal kinship care families," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 203-216.
    7. Gibbs, Deborah & Kasten, Jennifer & Bir, Anupa & Duncan, Dean & Hoover, Sonja, 2006. "Between two systems: Children in TANF child-only cases with relative caregivers," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 435-446, April.
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