An exploration of the experiences of carers granted special guardianship orders (SGOs). Are there differences in the way that people perceive SGO’s from the point of applying for one, to the point of having a child in their care? A Q-Methodology study.

This thesis was completed in partial fulfilment for the award of Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. The thesis aims to review the current literature about why it is that kinship care may provide more favourable outcomes for Looked after Children. It then moves on to begin exploring the experiences of carers granted special guardianship orders (SGOs).
Chapter one is a literature review which examines factors thought to contribute to more favourable outcomes for Looked after Children in kinship care placements. Factors including longer lasting placements, positive attitudes of the carers, increased contact with biological parents, being placed within a familiar social class and culture, high levels of carer wellbeing, and good levels of support were all thought to be linked to more favourable outcomes. Limited research has been carried out in this area however, and the majority of research is based on samples from the United States. It was therefore recommended that further research is completed, with a particular emphasis on samples in the United Kingdom.
Chapter two is an empirical paper which set out to retrospectively explore carers’ experiences and perceptions of SGOs from the point of applying for the order, to the point at which the SGO was granted, and finally to the present day. Ten participants were recruited to complete the research using Q-methodology. Five common viewpoints were identified and include 1) The child is part of the family: a positive experience despite limited knowledge, 2) In the dark, obliged and unsupported, 3) Lots of training opportunities and managing well, 4) Giving up the caring role is not an option… but having a supportive family is helpful, 5) Confused, angry and don’t know who to trust. Clinical implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Finally, chapter three is an executive summary of the empirical paper. It is intended for use by both service users and professionals, and aims to present the key findings of the research in a more accessible format.