title: A first look at the need for enhanced support services for kinship caregivers.
abstract: This article describes findings from a series of focus groups conducted with formal kinship caregivers in Maryland. The findings reveal that kinship caregivers are committed to providing safety and stability for the children placed with them. The findings also suggest that caregiving can be a significant adjustment for many kinship caregivers and that expanded support services are needed to enhance their relationship with the child welfare agency.
authors.affiliation: Enhanced Support Services for Kinship Caregivers Project, Child Welfare League of America (CWLA), Washington, DC 20001, USA.
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Sharon E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: McKinley
authors.forename: Mattie L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Satterfield
authors.forename: Patrick A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Curtis
mesh_terms: D000300:Adoption / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control; D002654:Child Care; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support