Adult functioning of children who lived in kin versus nonrelative family foster homes.

The study reported here explored associations between the type of placement in out-of-home care (kinship versus nonrelative) and selected outcomes in adulthood. Interviews were conducted with 214 children formerly in care (40% kinship placed), who reported on parameters of their current functioning, including education and employment, physical and mental health, stresses and supports, and risk-taking behaviors. Although the social services records reported significant differences in functioning during out-of-home care between children in kinship care and those in nonrelative family foster care, few differences were found in adult functioning. Explanations for these findings are explored.