Kinship care, where relatives provide care for children who cannot live with their parents, has become an increasingly vital component of child welfare systems. In 2014, programs designed to support these unique families, such as the Arizona Kinship Care Program and similar initiatives nationwide, were gaining momentum. Understanding the landscape of interventions available during this period offers valuable insights into the strategies employed to strengthen kinship families and improve outcomes for children. This article reviews the key intervention strategies prevalent around 2014, drawing upon research into various kinship care support models.
Focus on Enhancing Caregiver Parenting Skills
A primary focus of kinship care interventions in 2014, and still relevant today, was equipping caregivers with effective parenting skills. Many kinship caregivers, particularly grandparents, may not have anticipated raising children again and benefit from updated parenting techniques. Programs like Keeping Foster and Kinship Parents Trained and Supported (KEEP), which was widely used during this time, aimed directly at this need. KEEP and similar programs focused on practical strategies to manage challenging child behaviors, reduce caregiver stress, and promote stable placements. These interventions acknowledged the unique stresses faced by kinship caregivers and sought to provide them with tools to confidently navigate these challenges.
Similarly, home-based interventions, such as those developed by Kelley and colleagues, were crucial. These initiatives brought support directly into the caregivers’ homes, offering personalized guidance and skill-building in a comfortable and accessible environment. Project COPE (Caring for Others as a Positive Experience) specifically targeted grandparents, recognizing their growing role in kinship care. COPE provided knowledge-based support to help grandparents adapt to their caregiving role and build effective parenting skills tailored to contemporary needs. Other programs, such as Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC), emphasized positive reinforcement and non-harsh discipline methods, promoting nurturing and stable home environments. Kin as Teachers (KAT) further specialized in early childhood, focusing on providing kin caregivers with the specific knowledge and skills needed to support children from birth through kindergarten.
Addressing Child Well-being and Caregiver Support
Beyond parenting skills, interventions in 2014 also recognized the importance of addressing the holistic needs of both the child and the caregiver. Some programs focused on improving child capacities as a way to indirectly support caregivers. For instance, school-based interventions like Kinship Care Connection aimed to boost children’s self-esteem. The rationale was that by enhancing a child’s emotional well-being, caregiver stress could be reduced, creating a more positive family dynamic.
Relationship-focused interventions, such as the Promoting First Relationship program, were also gaining prominence. These programs aimed to strengthen the bond between caregivers and children, recognizing that a secure and positive relationship is foundational for child development and family stability.
Meeting the direct needs of caregivers was another critical area of intervention. Programs focused on facilitating access to essential services and building robust social support networks. Examples from this period include the Kinship Navigation Program, which offered assistance and referrals to connect families with needed resources. Grandparent Triple P programs provided positive parenting strategies, but also emphasized building support teams and coping mechanisms for caregivers’ own emotional well-being. Caregiver Support Groups offered peer support, stress reduction techniques, and addressed the specific challenges of raising grandchildren. The Parent Resources for Information Development and Education (PRIDE) program offered a comprehensive framework for supporting caregivers, covering child development, family relationships, and professional collaboration. System of Care Case Management Models adopted a family-centered approach, empowering kinship families by connecting them with tailored services and support. Child Directed Interaction Training addressed both the mental health needs of young children and the parenting needs of their caregivers, recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors.
Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Approaches
By 2014, the importance of trauma-informed care was increasingly recognized within kinship care interventions. Programs began to incorporate an understanding of how past trauma affects children’s behavior and development. Interventions like trauma-informed parenting classes educated caregivers about child trauma, enabling them to provide more sensitive and effective care. The Resource Parenting Curriculum was another example, equipping caregivers with the knowledge to respond appropriately to trauma-related behaviors and emotions.
Furthermore, culturally responsive interventions were emerging to address the unique needs of diverse kinship families. The Black Parenting Strengths and Strategies Program, for example, adapted existing parenting programs to be culturally relevant for African American families, acknowledging their unique strengths and challenges within the child welfare system. Similarly, some interventions began to incorporate information on health, exercise, and nutrition, recognizing the importance of addressing these fundamental needs for children’s healthy development, especially in families facing social risk factors.
Conclusion
The landscape of kinship care interventions around 2014 was marked by a diverse range of strategies aimed at supporting caregivers and improving outcomes for children. From enhancing parenting skills and providing resource navigation to addressing trauma and promoting culturally sensitive approaches, these interventions reflected a growing understanding of the unique needs of kinship families. While specific programs like the Arizona Kinship Care Program in 2014 would have embodied many of these principles, the broader trend was towards comprehensive, multi-faceted support systems designed to empower kinship caregivers and ensure the well-being of the children in their care. Continued research and program development in this area remain crucial to strengthen kinship care as a vital and effective option for children in need.
