A heavy weight, yet empowering: Grandparent Special Guardians lived experience of the role and family dynamics: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Almost half of Special Guardians are grandparents, typically single grandmothers, who are required to facilitate and maintain relationships between parents and children if deemed in the child’s best interests. Current literature suggests that Special Guardians navigate complex family situations, support children with developmental trauma histories and receive limited support. There is limited research that has examined the lived experiences of Special Guardians, especially using qualitative methods. Further exploration into lived experiences may allow for better understanding and more specialised support for Special Guardians and the children they care for. The current research involved semi-structured interviews with six grandparent Special Guardians. Using IPA for analysis five themes were constructed highlighting social, emotional, relational and financial difficulties through taking on the role. Special Guardians felt undervalued and abandoned by services compared to foster or adoptive carers. Special Guardians may benefit from trauma training, peer and therapeutic support and more whole family support after an SGO is awarded to encourage positive relationships.