The increasing use of digital technologies and social media in society presents opportunities and challenges for children, young people, and their families. Little is known about how these are navigated by kinship carers, and what supports they receive or would find useful. This study was a collaboration between AFKA Scotland and the University of Edinburgh exploring how the digital world impacts on Kinship Carers and the challenges they face in caring for children and young people.
In June 2024, AFKA Scotland undertook focus groups with kinship carers and kinship practitioners supported by KCASS, Nurture Scotland and Glasgow HSCP. A roundtable event was also held with stakeholders to share findings and identify key learning. The aim of the study was to produce information that would help social workers and others to better support Kinship Carers. Briefing Papers for Practitioners and Kinship Carers have now been developed and can be downloaded.