Study by Dr Stacey Rose O’Sullivan-Hayes, Dr Yvonne Melia, and Dr Faiza Nazir.
Methods
Interviews with six grandmothers were used to create space for grandparent Special Guardians to share and reflect on their experiences.
Findings
Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), interviews identified five key themes that appeared particularly meaningful or common across those who took part.
The findings suggest that grandparent Special Guardians are navigating a complex role in the absence of support around them. This can lead to or increase difficulties in relationships with their own children and can affect relationships and dynamics in the wider family. Many grandparent Special Guardians had experienced social, emotional, relational and financial difficulties since taking on the role, supporting their grandchildren alongside managing these difficulties, often alone. This can increase the likelihood of negative outcomes for themselves, their children, their grandchildren and the wider family.
Conclusions and implications
While grandparent Special Guardians are responsible for caring for their grandchildren under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO), local authorities (LAs) have a shared responsibility to provide families with relevant support. The findings suggest that LAs are largely failing in their duty to do so. Support with facilitating contact, trauma and attachment training, support around the family unit and respite opportunities could lead to more positive outcomes for such families and their wider relationships.
This article is republished under a Creative Commons license. Read the full research article: A heavy weight, yet empowering: Grandparent Special Guardians’ lived experiences of the role and family dynamics - An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)