A heavy weight, yet empowering: Grandparent Special Guardians’ lived experiences of the role and family dynamics - An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

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 scant support. Only limited research has examined the lived experiences of Special Guardians, especially using qualitative methods. Further exploration into such 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 Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) five themes were constructed that highlighted some of the social, emotional, relational and financial difficulties they experienced from taking on the role. Compared to foster or adoptive carers, Special Guardians felt undervalued and abandoned by services. After a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) has been awarded, to encourage positive relationships Special Guardians may benefit from trauma training, peer and therapeutic support, as well as more whole family support. Plain Language Summary This study aimed to develop further insights into the experiences of grandparents taking on the role of Special Guardianship and the subsequent impact on relationships within the family. Interviews with six grandmothers were used to create space for grandparent Special Guardians to share and reflect on their experiences. 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. 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.