Examining the Perceptions of Grandparents who Parent in Formal and Informal Kinship Care

Abstract

Child welfare workers are increasingly seeking formal kinship placements with grandparents when the child's biological parents can no longer provide a stable environment. Using a non-probability purposive sample (N = 55), this study explores whether or not caregiver well being is effected by the type of kinship care arrangement (formal vs. informal). The findings suggest that grandparents in formal kinship care arrangements experienced feelings of depression less often, were more satisfied with their parenting experiences and were observed to have a greater sense of satisfaction with life. Implications of these findings are discussed.