Assessing Quality of Care in Kinship and Foster Family Care

Abstract

This study includes a sample of 29 kin and 33 non-kin foster parents who participated in an in-home interview to assess quality of care. On a number of measures relating to the home environment, non-kin homes were rated as more safe. Family relations between children and their caregivers were similar for kin and non-kin. Trends in the data point to the need for further research; changes in policy and practice that might strengthen the resources currently available to dependent children are also suggested.