Lessons Learned from the Kinship Education and Support Program (KEPS): Developing Effective Support Groups for Formal Kinship Caregivers

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the effectiveness of the Kinship Education Preparation and Support (KEPS) program, a group-work program designed specifically to address the varied support needs of formal kinship caregivers. There were a total of 43 participants in this study, including relative caregivers, child welfare workers, and community leaders, all of whom participated in one of six focus groups. Themes emergent from the focus groups were: the need for, and benefits of, support programs for formal kinship caregivers, implementation challenges, and improvements for KEPS. Recommendations for planning supportive and educational groups for relative foster parents will be discussed using components of Kurland's planning model.

Keywords:

• formal kinship care
• support groups
• relative foster parents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This project was made possible because of the commitment and expertise of many dedicated individuals including Dr. Harriette Williams, James Blaydes, Dr. Michael Scoggins, Martha Pina, Maria Ontivero, Robin Lewis, Rose Witt and Margaux Holbert. The authors thank Eileen Pastor, D.S.W. for her assistance with this project. We also gratefully acknowledge the helpful comments of the reviewers on earlier drafts of this manuscript.