Research on Kinship Carers and substance use
Adfam organises forum events for practitioners and professionals with an interest in supporting families affected by substance use or gambling. At each forum we focus on a unique topic relating to families and substance use, inviting a guest speaker with expertise in that topic, followed by a Q&A and wider discussion.
At our latest event we will be hearing the findings of a new comprehensive research study, capturing the experiences of kinship carers who care for their grandchildren due to their child’s drug or alcohol use.
The research, led by Dr Lindsay Reid, Adfam's Kinship Care Support and Development Coordinator, addresses an important gap in existing research by focusing specifically on the experiences of this group of kinship carers. It explores how they understand and navigate their role within the family, as well as the emotional impact of maintaining a relationship with their child who uses drugs or alcohol while simultaneously caring for their grandchildren.
The research also examines how kinship carers approach parenting their grandchildren when they feel they may not have experienced positive parenting themselves. It considers the challenges they face, the support they need, and what more could be done to improve their circumstances and provide better support for them and their families.
Download:
- Kinship Carers: How they experience their role in the family - Summary Article
- Kinship Carers: How they experience their role in the family - Full Report
Join our online event to hear from Dr Lindsay Reid about the study's findings in more detail.
- When? Thursday 5th November 2026, 11am
- Where? Online, via Zoom