American Indian Grand Families: Eight Adolescent and Grandparent Dyads Share Perceptions on Various Aspects of the Kinship Care Relationship

A qualitative study of eight grand family dyads was conducted to gain the perspective of the grandparents and grandchildren regarding the kinship care relationship. A phenomenological approach of the “lived experience” developed by P.A. Gibson (2002) was incorporated in the design of the study. Several major themes emerged from data analysis using a phenomenological perspective. The themes are: (1) American Indian grandparent caregivers' limitations; (2) Dyads perceptions of the occurrence of the kinship care arrangement; (3) Psychological, physical, developmental, educational, and social aspects of American Indian grandchildren; (4) Perceived future goals and career aspirations of American Indian grandchildren by grandparents and grandchildren; and (5) Suggestions for improvement of the dyad relationship. Social work practice with American Indian grand families and direction for future research are discussed.