Alternative Title
Exploring experiences of relative probate guardianship in Los Angeles, CA.
Publication Date
2017
Document Type
Masters Thesis
Study Type
Qualitative
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School for Social Work
Keywords
Kinship care, Child welfare, Guardian and ward, Foster home care, Kinship diversion, Child welfare system, Legal guardianship, Relative caregivers, Relative care, Informal care, Voluntary care, Foster care
Abstract
This qualitative study explored the characteristics and experiences of relative caregivers in Los Angeles County who were involved in a child welfare practice called “kinship diversion.” It specifically examined cases in which caregivers were diverted to probate court to obtain legal guardianship of their relatives' children as an alternative to opening a case with the child welfare system due to allegations of abuse or neglect against the biological parents. Five kinship caregivers were interviewed with a focus on answering the questions of who is diverted to legal guardianship, and why?
The findings of this study showed that diversion occurred in a range of circumstances, but all participants were already caring for their relatives' children at the time the child welfare system became involved. Furthermore, caregivers were uniformly dedicated to keeping the children out of the child welfare system, even if it meant sacrificing potential financial reimbursement.
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Davies, Alison, "Kinship diversion : exploring experiences of relative probate guardianship in Los Angeles, CA." (2017). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/1885
Comments
iii, 66 pages : illustrations. Includes bibliographical references (pages 49-57)