Intergenerational conflict, contact with biological parents, and child functioning in kinship caregiver families

Abstract

Over time, federal child welfare policy has shaped a preference for states to make every effort to place children with kinship caregivers before non-kin, foster caregivers. The current study focuses on two aspects of out-of-home care that past research indicates differ between kin and non-kin foster care arrangements: frequency of conflict between caregivers and biological parents (higher among kin foster care) and children’s contact with biological parents (easier to facilitate among kin foster care). Using a convenience sample of kinship caregivers recruited from a midwestern state, we examined cross-sectional associations between intergenerational conflict, child contact with biological mothers and fathers, and child well-being among kinship care households. N = 205 kinship caregivers completed an extensive telephone interview about a range of relevant topics, including study child well-being (i.e., the child that requires the most care and attention from the kin caregiver). After controlling for a range of caregiver, child, and contextual factors, more frequent intergenerational conflict was associated with a greater likelihood of child hyperactivity disorder, mental health concerns, learning disabilities, and any of the diagnoses individually or in combination. Results concerning child contact with biological mothers and fathers were less conclusive. The findings will add to our understanding of kinship care as a preferred form of non-parental care and have value to those implementing the 2018 Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 1892).