An exploration of the paradigm of kinship caregiving and caregivers' experiences with child welfare and public welfare systems using critical theory analysis

Kinship caregiving as a paradigm in the United States (US) is historically linked to slavery subcultural practices. Over time, dominant US systems have vacillated in demonstrating formal acknowledgement of kinship as an acceptable family unit and in availing resources to support kinship caregiving. The patterns and practices of these variations pertaining to kinship caregiving as a paradigm has received little attention despite documentation of its increased utilization in public child welfare and welfare systems. This exploratory case study responds to the paucity of knowledge regarding the systemic shifts towards the kinship caregiving paradigm and the perspectives of kinship caregivers who interface with public child welfare and welfare systems during their relative caring episodes. Critical theory is used to explore the impact of privilege and oppression as relates to the variations of the paradigm over time within these systems, as well as to the kinship families’ interactions with the child welfare and welfare systems. Kinship caregivers’ recommendations for child welfare and welfare systems’ improvements are also included in this study. Information gained from this study may assist policy makers, trainers, educators, and practitioners involved in child welfare and welfare agencies enhance these systems towards policies and practices that are culturally responsive and improve services to sustain kinship families.