Learn about Kinship’s research, informed by the experiences of kinship carers, and see how we use this evidence to call for change in law, policy, and practice.
For professionals:
Kinship Connected pilot trial
Kinship is partnering with Foundations – What Works Centre for Children & Families, the Centre for Evidence and Implementation and Ipsos on a feasibility trial of the Kinship Connected navigator programme.
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Study Status: ongoing
Background
Kinship Connected is an evidence-based and independently evaluated kinship navigator programme. Through one-to-one support and peer support, it improves kinship carer confidence and access to support, and strengthens stability and positive outcomes for children.
In 2020, an evaluation led by Starks Consulting and Ecorys found statistically significant positive impacts on reduced isolation, decreased financial concerns, lower levels of concern around managing children’s behaviour and health, improved relationships and increased confidence.
This pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) will allow us to test the impact of the Kinship Connected programme for kinship carers in comparison with a similar group who will not receive the programme.
Evaluation aims
This pilot RCT allows us to check whether running a full-scale RCT is possible. It focuses on whether the processes work by answering the questions:
- Can we recruit enough families to the evaluation?
- Do our referral pathways work?
- Can staff follow the model consistently?
- Can we collect data in a way that is ethical and realistic?
- Will local authorities engage with the evaluation?
Where a full-scale RCT asks ‘does the programme work when delivered as intended’, a pilot RCT asks ‘can the programme and evaluation be delivered as intended‘.
What does the evaluation involve?
4 local authorities in England will take part in this pilot RCT. In each of these local authorities, eligible kinship carers will be invited to take part in the evaluation. They will complete some questions before being randomised to either receive Kinship Connected over the next 6 months or not. At the end of the programme they will complete the same questions so we can understand any changes that may or may not have taken place.
The local authorities that will be taking part are:
- Blackpool
- Newham
- Oxfordshire
- Rochdale
Who can I talk to about the project?
If you are interested in taking part or have any questions, please contact:
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