Caseworker attitudes on kinship care in Ontario

This exploratory study aims to develop an understanding of caseworker views on the challenges and opportunities of kinship care. This sample includes protection and kinship service caseworkers who service families in Ontario. Focus groups with a self-selected sample of 27 caseworkers explored the current attitudes of ongoing caseworkers toward kinship caregivers and the policies that mandate their exploration. Results indicated that workers are embracing the idea of kinship care; however they note several limitations and frustrations with the practice. Lack of resources and services for kinship caregivers, issues of conflict and difficulty in monitoring kinship homes hinder positive attitudes about this practice. Further, workers felt that the current legislation encourages the approval of kinship homes that are viewed as substandard and unsafe for children.