What interventions improve outcomes for kinship carers and the children in their care: Systematic review

Abstract

<div class="report-summary"> <p>This systematic review explores interventions for <strong>kinship carers</strong>—individuals, often family members or close friends, caring for children when their biological parents cannot. The review assesses global evidence on programs that improve outcomes for kinship families, focusing on both caregivers and children. Key goals include identifying effective interventions and understanding implementation challenges, specifically within the UK context, but also drawing on data from Australia and other countries with similar child protection systems.</p>

<p><strong>Background and Purpose</strong> Kinship carers typically face unique challenges, such as navigating relationships with the child's birth parents, dealing with trauma, and often living in financial hardship. Despite these challenges, children in kinship care generally experience better stability and well-being than those in traditional foster care. This review seeks to understand what interventions improve kinship care outcomes, such as child safety, caregiver well-being, and placement stability. Notably, Australian studies were included, highlighting issues such as the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in kinship care and structural inequities impacting Indigenous families.</p>

<p><strong>Methods and Scope</strong> Thirty-six papers from 27 studies were included, using both quantitative (21 studies) and qualitative (6 studies) methods. The review employed rigorous standards, such as the PRISMA guidelines, to ensure transparency and reliability. Quantitative studies were analyzed statistically where possible, while qualitative studies provided insights into kinship carers' and practitioners' experiences. The focus was on interventions specific to kinship families, avoiding broader foster care programs unless results specific to kinship care were reported. In addition to primary research databases, grey literature sources like the <em>Australian Institute of Family Studies</em> were reviewed to capture additional kinship care perspectives.</p>

<p><strong>Findings</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Kinship Navigator Programs</strong>: These programs showed small but positive effects on placement stability and children’s likelihood of being placed in kinship care.</li> <li><strong>Financial Support</strong>: Subsidies for formal guardianship had positive impacts on permanency outcomes, although confidence in these findings was limited by the risk of bias in some studies.</li> <li><strong>Parenting Programs and Support Groups</strong>: These interventions showed varied outcomes, benefiting some caregivers in aspects like parenting skills, mental health, and peer connections.</li> </ul> <p>Qualitative studies highlighted the importance of trust, relationship-building, and peer support in effective programs. Practitioners emphasized the need for accessible, timely support tailored to kinship carers’ unique situations.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusions and Recommendations</strong> The review underscores the growing evidence supporting targeted interventions for kinship carers. The promising results from navigator programs, financial assistance, and parenting support indicate that continued investment and evaluation could benefit kinship families. Future research should prioritize understanding which interventions work best for specific groups of kinship carers, especially those from diverse backgrounds or with unique challenges, including Indigenous communities in Australia. The review suggests that comprehensive, context-sensitive support can enhance outcomes for both carers and children.</p>

<p><strong>Next Steps</strong> Recommendations include scaling effective programs like kinship navigator services, further testing financial support’s impact on kinship families, and refining program delivery to meet carers' practical and emotional needs. The review also encourages including kinship-specific data in broader foster care studies to better understand kinship care outcomes across various contexts.</p> </div>