An exploration of sibling kinship care with siblings, policy makers and practitioners in the UK: Identifying pathways for improving understanding and outcomes

Stabler, Lorna 2025. An exploration of sibling kinship care with siblings, policy makers and practitioners in the UK: Identifying pathways for improving understanding and outcomes. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background: Siblings play complex roles in families, particularly when facing difficult circumstances. In some cases, an older sibling may take on a caregiving role when a parent is unable to do so, a situation potentially classified as kinship care. Research on kinship care primarily focuses on grandparent caregivers rather than sibling-headed families. Research, legislation, and practice have historically been shaped by adoptive and foster care models, and the experiences of grandparent carers. Objective: This is the first UK study to focus solely on the experiences and needs of sibling-headed kinship families. It explores the lived experiences of 13 kinship carers and three adults who were formerly in their care. Focus groups and interviews with 24 practitioners and significant actors within kinship care in the UK provided policy and practice perspectives to identify ways to support these families. Methodology: The study's innovative approach combined the use of narrative methods and critical realism. Narrative interviews were the method of generating data with families about their experiences, and narrative analysis explored themes and narratives within these experiences. This analysis formed the basis for the development of vignettes, drawn on to elicit insights and reflections from practitioners and policymakers. Critical realism provided an overarching theoretical and analytical framework to examine the data, and to develop practical recommendations. Results: The study identified key motivations for older siblings becoming carers: bringing siblings home from care, keeping the family together, or addressing gaps in parenting. Despite varying service involvement, families shared common needs: financial and practical resources, parenting support, social networks, and recognition of their unique circumstances. Participants highlighted how policy and practice could better support sibling carers. Conclusions: Sibling-headed families have unique experiences, and needs. This study underscores the need for policies that prioritise and support these families, recognising their differences and their strengths.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Funders:	ESRC
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 May 2025
Last Modified:	30 May 2025 14:37
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178568

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