The Impact of Kinship Networks on Foster Care Children's Outcomes

Objective To identify different kin and fictive kin network support profiles available to children in foster care and examine whether these profiles predict behavioral outcomes. Background For kids in foster care, individual‐level strengths have been shown to buffer the impact of maltreatment on negative outcomes. However, little is known about the possible benefit of kin and fictive kin networks on outcomes (e.g., internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors). Method This longitudinal study measured the involvement of 221 foster care children's (6–14 years of age) kin and fictive kin networks (e.g., visits, childcare, homework help, transportation). Strengths (e.g., coping, talents), maltreatment, internalizing symptoms, and externalizing behaviors were measured using the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths dataset. Results Using latent profile analysis, two kinship involvement profiles emerged: A low‐involvement profile (75.5%) and a high‐involvement profile (23.5%). The high‐involvement profile was negatively associated with internalizing symptoms trajectories but not externalizing behavior trajectories. However, this effect was moderated by child‐level strengths: Children with more strengths and in the high‐involvement profile had the best internalizing symptoms outcomes. Finally, membership in the high‐involvement profile buffered the negative impact of maltreatment on internalizing symptoms trajectories. Conclusion The presence of both child strengths and kin and fictive kin involvement is associated with better outcomes. Implications These results support efforts to promote policies and practices designed to engage kin and fictive kin networks, which is not currently a priority in child welfare.