Assessing Quality of Care in Kinship and Foster Family Care by Jill Duerr Berrick (2010) - Assignment Example

A Research Report on Jill Duerr Berrick’s Assessing quality of care in Kinship and Foster Family Care Jill Duerr Berrick’s work, Assessing Quality of Care in Kinship and Foster Family Care, provides its readers with an indication on what transpires in family care homes. The author’s choice of the topic proves to show that little has been done to assess the quality of care in kinship homes in comparison to foster family homes. This study focuses on the quality of care, with regards to the safety of children in kinship, as well as their relationship with caregivers. “Kinship care has gained increasing attention from practitioners, policymakers and researchers. The attention has been captivated by the large numbers of children being served in foster care by kin and the scarcity of information available about the rapidly growing arrangement for care” (Berrick, 1997, p.273). According to Mokgosi (1997, p.7), “placement with extended family or kinship is becoming widely used as an alternative placement. Many child welfare experts believe that children will be better served if their care is provided by family members within the community of origin rather than by strangers.” For, separation from distant family members may lead to the child’s disruption, if unattended. On the other hand, Berrick claims, “on a number of measures relating to the home environment, non-kin homes were rated as more safe” (1997, p.273). The author describes kin caregivers as “older than foster family parents and a group heavily represented by single women of color who are struggling themselves with limited incomes” (Berrick, 1997, p.273). Whilst foster family providers generally prepare for their new role as parents, kinship foster parents more often fall into older parenthood in response to a pressing family emergency. Trends in this data point to the need for further research in the field, that is, “the need for changes in policy and practice that might strengthen the kin and non-kin resources currently available to dependent children are also suggested” (Berrick, 1997, p.279). Although the study done by Berrick was designed to assess the quality in kin and non-kin homes, focus herein will be given on its quantitative aspect, that is to say, in terms of the empirical patterns found in the data collected, so as to explain the research phenomena with regards to its numerical data. The primary method used was survey research, which included interviews. The county staff drew a random sample of 123 kinship and 97 non-kin homes from their foster care databases. Herein, a simple random sampling method of analysis was implemented. “Sampling is a technical accounting device to rationalize the collection of information, to choose in an appropriate way the restricted set of objects, persons, events from which the actual information will be drawn” (Bless and Higson-Smith, 1995, p.85). In this study, the sample was restricted to those homes that included a child in care between 5 to 12 years of age. A letter describing the scope and purpose of the study was sent on all kin and non-kin providers. Providers were offered a $20.00 stipend for their participation. However, only fourteen kin (11%) and 11 non-kin (11%) providers responded to the request. Due to the low response rate, a second sample of non-duplicated providers, including 159 kin and 131 non-kin was also drawn from the database. In doing so, they were contacted respectively for their participation. Forty-six kin (29%) and 44 non-kin (34%) responded positively. Ultimately, 28 kin and 33 non-kin providers were interviewed for this study. These were the research participants or subjects involved in the research. The interviewers were trained graduate student researchers studying for an M.S.W. degree at U.C. Berkeley and all had extensive prior experience working with the foster care system. All interviewers were ethnically matched to the provider and, where the provider’s first language was Spanish, interviews were conducted in Spanish. In addition, the provision of information sheets and the opportunity to ask questions suggest that catered consent was fully informed. The data collected is valid because the findings can be applied in the real world. Also, the data collected is reliable because, based on the repeated tests that were executed, the variables measured remained unchanged. The advantage of in-person interviews, as conducted in this study, is its flexibility. The data was collected through the interviews conducted to a random sample of 28 kin and 11 non-kin foster homes. Variables were measured using effect statistics such as correlations, relative frequencies and differences between means. Experimental precautions were taken to ensure that the subjects come to no harm. Thus, none were harmed. Moreover, the selection of the research topic was not a result of a disputed issue in favor of one party. The estimated results are less likely to turn out to be biased because the subjects were randomly assigned and chosen. In line with this, the operationalized concepts used in the data collection or analysis was empirically measurable. Measurable, for we were able to evaluate the ordinal measurements of the age of the children in kin and non-kin homes, the quality of care that they receive from the providers, how they are disciplined and the kind of shelter and neighborhood they live in. The kind of evidence offered for the construct validity of the operationalization is for the social services agencies to develop small discretionary funding sources for social workers to use in case of emergency. In these cases, funds are used for aids such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, fireplace screens, first aid kits and earthquake kits, as well as to engage kinship foster parents in foster parent training sessions, and to include information about appropriate disciplinary techniques for the children. The study is ecologically valid since the researchers could not possibly exert some control over them, given their environment. Thus, the results are verifiable via several empirical tests. The use of tests of statistical significance was implemented in the study. “These tests have been developed to ascertain whether the results obtained by data analysis are statistically significant, that is, whether they are meaningful and not merely the result of chance” (De Vos, 2002:244). Based on research study, the results obtained were statistically significant. In this case, it shows the correlation between kin and non-kin homes, with regards to the quality of care provided. In addition, the results obtained sufficiently described the major characteristics of the researchers’ data set. A bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between kin and non-kin homes. It aimed to analyze and investigate the outcome of the quality of care in kinship and foster family care. The percentage reports the mean or average of describing central tendency. In this case, the mean age of kin caregivers was 48.9 years (SD= 12.0); the mean age of non-kin caregivers was at 46.4 years (SD=9.3). Kin caregivers (53.6%), were mostly grandmothers of the subjects, and non-kin caregivers were mostly Caucasian. Statistical tests were performed for each of the hypotheses or research questions (see Tables 2 & 3 of the author’s study). The selected statistical tests that were performed were appropriate for the level of measurement of key variables. No multivariate procedure was used in the study. Had it been used, internal validity of the study would have been be strengthened. No significant differences were found between kin and non-kin. As to the characteristics of the caregivers, the results were statistically the same. The kin caregivers’ perception towards non-kin caregivers was also discussed. The findings provided the researchers with enough information so as to assure that the knowledge and experience of the caregivers were sufficient, with regards to fostering. Given the information provided, tables were used to summarize statistical information were not redundant. The tables were clear, with a good title and the headings were carefully labeled, so as to convey the data accordingly. The researcher was objective in the reporting the results throughout the study. Everything about the internal and external care for the children in the kin and non-kin homes were included in the data collection. The evidence for the operationalization of concepts included the demographic characteristics of the child and the caregiver, physical environment of the home, and socio-emotional climate of the home. The concept of foster family care, kinship care, foster care and family were concepts that were operationalized throughout the study, as seen in its frequent use during interviews and other surveys. The data pertaining to the proximity and visitation of the birth parents were included in the interviews as well. The author of this study claims that “family relations between children and their caregivers were similar for kin and non-kin” (Berrick 1997, p.273). She also claim that “on a number of measures relating to the home environment, non-kin homes were rated as more safe” (Berrick 1997, p.273). The author’s conclusion that non-kin homes were rated safer than kin homes is not unfounded or invalidated. However, other forms of analyses could still be performed, which would further support the claims found in this research. Other conclusions about causality to be drawn, which the author has not highlighted is the following: The children’s estrangement towards their birth parents in non-kin settings is caused by the fact that they have no relationship at all with their birth parents. Further conclusions to be drawn which do not concern causality, which the author has probably overlooked, is the fact that the children’s environment or neighborhood should be developed further in order to provide a more uniform standard for child welfare workers in their selection of kin, as well as to develop the knowledge dissemination for social workers who find it difficult to decide as to where the child ought to placed. Thus, this research aimed to contribute to the development of the conditions of children in need of care. But with regards to their placements, the services ought to be improved in this area. Overall, this research study has a lot of potential to be developed further, given that the study could be conducted in a larger scale or national level between states. Both kin and non-kin foster homes offer quality care to the children. Information was acquired through the demographic characteristics of the children in study such as the average age in both groups, which was about 8 and one-half years, both groups had been living with their caregivers for approximately 18 months, 32% of children were Latino/Hispanic, 23.7% Caucasian, 18.6% African American and the remainder included children of other ethnic groups and mixed-race children. More girls are in the care (61.7%) and boys (38.3%). As to the characteristics of the home, non-kin homes were more likely to own their home than to rent one, mostly relatively large in size with 3 bedrooms. Non-kin homes were larger than kin homes, thus, kin children were too crowded, and thus had to share their bedrooms. Kinship homes and neighborhoods were also more compromised than non-kin homes, with regards to their neighborhood. Problems with drugs and alcohol were more likely to occur, as well as with incidents of violence and threats. Non-kin homes were better prepared to handle emergency situations as measured by the presence of specific health-related safety devices and procedures. Both were more likely to work outside of the home but the children in kin homes were more likely to know who to call or go to in an emergency situation. Moreover, when placed under kin homes, children were not only cared for by their relatives but were also surrounded by a group of caring individuals who can be relied on in good or bad situations. It also appears that kin caregivers believed that children in their homes were less emotionally traumatized by their past experiences than non-kin homes. “Kinship care placements may offer many potential benefits that non-kin foster homes cannot, such as less trauma for the child and greater continuity with the child’s family and community” (Leos-Urbel, et al., 1999, p.59). Even though kin providers met to their role with less planning and preparation than non-kin providers who are licensed and trained, kinship caregivers experienced the child’s inclusion to their family equally the same. Kinship care is “any living arrangement in which a relative or someone else emotionally close to a child (e.g., friends, neighbours, godparents) takes primary responsibility for rearing that child” (Leos-Urbel, et al.,1999, p.1) Kinship caregivers were, on the average, part of a poorer group of families than non-kin caregivers. This study also showed that children in non-kin settings were more likely to have no relationship at all with birth parents while the children under kinship homes had warm and positive relationships with their birth parents. On the down side, 32% and 16% of kin and non-kin caregivers, respectively use spanking as a disciplinary measure with the children in their care. This study paves the way for future researchers to further improve its findings, by expanding its range across all states. For, it would not be possible to generalize the results, no matter how empirical they may be, if its capacity and scope is limited. Thus, further study of the trends and patterns shown herein should focus on the effects of child welfare to an expanded sample size. Future study should examine the changes in policy that might strengthen the resources that are currently available to dependent children. Moreover, future research in this field should “identify causal factors that account child welfare outcomes, which are independent from pre-existing group differences” (Koh, 2007, slide no. 18). Further exploration may also be undertaken on the experience and knowledge of foster parents with regards to fostering. Placement ought to be considered on the basis of the child’s interests and not what will seem beneficial to the social worker or kin and non-kin homes. Perhaps it would be enlightening to show the legal reasons and views of family placement, as shown by the different commissioners of child welfare. Finally, the precautions taken to ensure that the research subjects came to no harm were the use of draft instruments in assessing the study, holding regular meetings with a group of child welfare managers from the sponsoring county to discuss the issue, as well as another open meeting wherein all interested child welfare staffs were invited to attend, for briefing purposes prior to immersion. This research offers a practical solution to a social problem involving kinship and foster family care. It shows us that kinship and foster family care is a valuable solution to care for the lives of children who were traumatized in the past due to the lack or absence of a family who is able to provide the necessary care. By learning what kinship and foster family has to offer, family preservation is thus advocated. It is in this regard that through a quantitative analysis of quality care in kinship and foster family homes, the welfare of children who are in need of such care are thus given their due attention, while taking into consideration significant factors that change, depending on the nature and environment of kin and non-kin homes. References Berrick, J.D., 1997. Assessing quality of care in kinship and foster family care. Family Relations, National Council on Family Relations, vol. 46 (3), pp. 273-280. Bless, C. and Higson-Smith, C., 1995. Social research method: An African perspective. Cape Town: Juta & Co. Connolly, M., 2003. Kinship care: A selected literature review. [online] The Department of Child, Youth, and Family. Available at: http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/about-us/publications/social-work-now/kinship-care.pdf [Accessed 15 Apr 2011]. De Vos, A.S., 2002. Research at grassroots: For the Social Sciences and human service profession. 2nd ed. Pretoria: JL van Schaik Publishers. Koh, E., 2007. Risks of foster care re-entry for children in relative and non-relative foster homes. [online]. Available at: [Accessed 15 Apr 2011]. Mokgosi, A.S., 1997. Kinship foster care in Vosloorus. Johannesburg: RAU. Urbel, J.L. Bess. R. and Green, R., 1999. State policies for assessing and supporting kinship foster parents. Washington, D.C.:The Urban Institute. Read More