Characteristics of kinship and nonkinship care foster children and their families of origin

Kinship care is a growing option for children needing out-of-home placements, but research has not kept up with the increased use of kinship care. Previous research findings have limited generalizability of findings because of primarily urban or small sample sizes. This study used data from the National Study of Protective. Preventive, and Reunification Services Delivered to Children and Their Families, 1994 to gather information to compare kinship care children and their families-of-origin with nonkinship care children and their families-of-origin. Descriptive profiles were made for the children, mothers, fathers, and other caretakers for both groups. Chi-square analyses were completed on over 200 variables to provide a comprehensive study of the differences and similarities between the two groups. Kinship care children were more likely to be African American, victims of parental neglect, and had fewer identified behavioral problems than their foster care counterparts. Kinship care primary caretakers were more likely to be African American, have substance abuse problems, and were identified as needing and receiving fewer services than their foster care counterparts. Implications for further research and improved child welfare practices are discussed.