Behavior problems of children in kinship care

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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

H Dubowitz1, S Zuravin, R H Starr

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore 21204.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|December 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Children in kinship care exhibit significantly higher rates of behavioral issues than the general population. This study highlights the need for mental health evaluations and screenings for these children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Kinship care, where children live with relatives, is an increasingly common out-of-home placement.
  • Research on the behavioral outcomes and specific needs of children in kinship care remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the behavioral patterns of children residing in kinship care arrangements.
  • To identify key factors that predict behavioral problems in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) completed by caregivers of 346 children in kinship care.
  • Collected background data from caregivers and caseworkers.
  • Employed logistic regression analysis to determine significant predictors of behavior problems.

Main Results:

  • A substantial proportion of children in kinship care, 42% of boys and 28% of girls, scored in the clinical range on the CBCL, far exceeding the general population's 10%.
  • Identified multiple significant predictors of behavior problems, including reason for placement, child's gender and race, caregiver's perception, caregiver education, caseworker contact frequency, and long-term plans.

Conclusions:

  • Children in kinship care demonstrate a high prevalence of behavioral problems, indicating they are a high-risk group.
  • Routine mental health evaluations and regular screenings are strongly recommended for children in kinship care to address their needs proactively.

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