Mental Health and Wellness of Youth in Kinship Care: Exploring Peer-Led and Family-Centred Models from the Youth’s Perspective

Abstract

This research project explores the mental health experiences of youth in kinship care in British Columbia (BC), with a focus on how peer-led and family-centred models can improve service access, engagement, and outcomes. Kinship care has been shown to support stronger cultural and familial connections, yet significant gaps remain in access to resources and mental health supports. This study centers youth voices to better understand their lived experiences and provide suggestions for policy and program development. Youth in care experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance use, all of which are often linked to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Kinship caregivers frequently face financial strain, limited training, and significantly less access to services compared to foster caregivers. Peer-led models show promise in fostering trust and belonging, while family-centred approaches emphasize culturally safe, holistic care that strengthens family and community connections. However, these approaches both face barriers such as inconsistent funding, limited evaluation, and unequal access.
Using a qualitative methodology, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with three youth (aged 17–24) with lived experience in kinship care. The data from the interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in four key themes. First, kinship caregiver–youth dynamics were shaped by gaps in resources, training, and communication, often limiting caregivers’ ability to meet emotional and psychological needs. Second, participants described an emotional landscape marked by loneliness, stress, and feelings of “othering,” despite having basic physical needs met. Third, youth emphasized the importance of accessible, trauma-informed mental health services, highlighting the value of empathy, validation, and safe spaces, while also identifying barriers such as limited service hours and lack of continuity. Fourth, participants reported positive experiences with peer-led initiatives and expressed strong interest in expanded opportunities for mentorship and peer connections.
The discussion situates the findings of this study within existing research, confirming known challenges, while also offering new insights into how systemic gaps translate into youth experiences. Notably, youth identified relational qualities as equally important as service availability. These findings underscore the importance of long-term, flexible, and youth-centred mental health supports, as well as the potential of peer-led programming to reduce isolation and foster resilience.
Although this study involved a relatively small and homogenous sample and faced recruitment challenges, it offers significant insight into the lived experiences of youth in kinship care in Vancouver, B.C. It is important to note that this population faces unique vulnerabilities, and those who came forward to share their stories did so with the intention of ensuring their voices and experiences were heard and formally documented. While the findings are exploratory and not broadly generalizable, the study provides valuable and meaningful contributions by capturing authentic accounts that deepen understanding of kinship care experiences in BC.
The study concludes with key policy and practice recommendations. These recommendations include expanding early access to long-term mental health services, improving system navigation supports, developing culturally safe and diverse programming, adopting holistic, family-centred approaches, and investing in peer-led initiatives such as mentorship and youth groups. Lastly, the research emphasizes the need for future studies that center on youth perspectives and include more diverse kinship care experiences to inform equitable and effective service delivery for youth in BC.