The relationship between kinship and foster placement on mental health indicators in children and youth seeking treatment

Children living in both kinship and foster care placements often face considerable adversity. It is possible that these placements can have differential impacts on children’s socioemotional, psychological, and educational outcomes and well-being. This study examined the similarities and differences between children and youth who reside in kinship placements and those who reside in foster placements. Specifically, similarities and differences in children's mental health care and service requirements, as well as their family's strengths and resources were explored to better understand the needs of children placed in out-of-home care. The final sample included assessments from 5356 treatment-seeking children, ages three to 18 years old, from across 66 select mental health agencies in Ontario. Children were assessed using the interRAI ChYMH, the ChYMH-S, or the ChYMH-DD. These assessments include a variety of embedded evidence-informed scales and algorithms to examine the mental health needs, preferences and strengths of these vulnerable children. Compared to children in kinship placements, children in foster care were more likely to: (a) exhibit greater externalizing symptoms, (b) display concerns regarding sexual behaviour, (c) encounter trauma, and (d) experience more polyvictimization. No differences were found in terms of spirituality and cultural connectedness. Additionally, kinship caregivers tended to experience greater distress, compared to foster caregivers. Findings from this study highlight important areas where children residing in out-of-home care, particularly those in foster care, require increased access to mental health resources and support. Furthermore, trauma-informed care should always be at the forefront when working with foster and kinship care children and their families. • Compared to children in kinship care, children in foster care are more likely to exhibit mental health symptoms. • Compared to children in kinship care, children in foster care are more likely to be victims of polyvicitization • Kinship caregivers experience heightened stress compared to foster parents. • Out-of-home care children and caregivers require resources and mental health support.