Grandparents matter: optimizing grandparents' involvement after child safety concerns

Gair, Susan, Zuchowski, Ines, Munns, Lynn, Thorpe, Ros, and Henderson, Debbie (2018) Grandparents matter: optimizing grandparents' involvement after child safety concerns. Child and Family Social Work, 23 (4). pp. 684-692.

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Abstract

Across Australia and internationally, growing numbers of grandparents are becoming primary carers for grandchildren, both within and outside of formal state care arrangements. Underlying factors include family breakdown, family circumstances where parents are unable to care for their children, or where there are child safety concerns. Some grandparents report a pattern of initially providing care for grandchildren but then experiencing reduced or lost contact that sometimes is not restored, in turn impacting ongoing relationships with grandchildren. A prevailing concern is the disproportional numbers of Aboriginal children in state care in all Australian states. Reported here are findings from a recent partnership research project focused on optimizing grandparent contact and ongoing relationships with grandchildren after child safety concerns. Qualitative in‐depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with 77 participants. Findings revealed grandparents yearned to maintain a significant role in grandchildren's lives after child safety issues emerged, however, they often felt powerless, unsupported, and sidelined from decision‐making in the best interests of their grandchildren. Participants made strong recommendations for more inclusive processes.

Item ID: 53679
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1365-2206
Keywords: child safety, grandchildren, grandparents, kinship care, social work
Funders: James Cook University
Research Data: https://research.jcu.edu.au/researchdata/default/detail/0aae4e67cfac2103caed58c3d0aeccce/
Date Deposited: 22 May 2018 04:05
FoR Codes: 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4409 Social work > 440999 Social work not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970116 Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society @ 20%
94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940112 Families and Family Services @ 40%
94 LAW, POLITICS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES > 9401 Community Service (excl. Work) > 940105 Childrens/Youth Services and Childcare @ 40%
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