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“Sometimes you need a middleman”: Negotiating Family Engagement for Foster and Kinship Caregivers Involved with Child Welfare

Author

Listed:
  • Wasim, Anna
  • LaBrenz, Catherine A.
  • Graves, Nelkasia
  • Thompson, Samantha Zuniga
  • Faulkner, Monica

Abstract

Family engagement is increasingly prioritized in child welfare policy and practice, yet limited research has explored how foster and kinship caregivers perceive and navigate this process. Understanding caregivers’ experiences is critical to advancing relational permanency and improving outcomes for children in foster care. Using an adapted grounded theory design, this qualitative study examined the experiences of 24 foster and kinship caregivers from two agencies participating in a family engagement practice model in one state. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups, and were analyzed thematically. All participants provided informed consent, data were de-identified, and pseudonyms were assigned to transcripts to protect participants’ confidentiality.

Suggested Citation

  • Wasim, Anna & LaBrenz, Catherine A. & Graves, Nelkasia & Thompson, Samantha Zuniga & Faulkner, Monica, 2026. "“Sometimes you need a middleman”: Negotiating Family Engagement for Foster and Kinship Caregivers Involved with Child Welfare," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:183:y:2026:i:c:s0190740926000940
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.108841
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