ADULT FUNCTIONING OF CHILDREN WHO LIVED IN KIN VERSUS NONRELATIVE FAMILY FOSTER HOMES

The study reported here explored associations between the type of plac ement in out-of-home care (kinship versus nonrelative) and selected ou tcomes in adulthood. Interviews were conducted with 214 children forme rly 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. Altho ugh the social services records reported significant differences in fu nctioning during out-of-home care between children in kinship care and those in nonrelative family foster care, few differences were found i n adult functioning. Explanations for these findings are explored.