Peer-reviewed article

The constellations of child fostering in Kenya: Considering location and distance

Cassandra Cotton, Clement Oduor · 10 Feb 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUNDWhile studies provide context on why mothers foster-out children, there is little discussion about where children reside, transitions in children's living arrangements over time, distance between fostered children and their mothers, and how such distance might influence mothers' relationships with children. OBJECTIVESWe aimed to: (1) examine the geographical location of fostered children and distance from mothers, (2) establish who fosters children and the mothers' relationships with caregivers, (3) determine transitions in children's fostering arrangements, including mobility within kin networks, and (4) explore mothers' perceptions of distance, location, and barriers to contact with fostered children. METHODSWe used innovative kinship-network data and in-depth interviews with mothers who have fostered-out children in Kenya.We mapped locations of fostered-out children using geocoded data, determining 'hot spots' while exploring distance from mothers, and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to examine mothers' perceptions of distance as a barrier to maternal-child relationships. RESULTSFostered children live primarily in rural Kenya, and there is substantial fluidity in children's living arrangements.Mothers' relationships and contact with children are impacted by location and distance. CONTRIBUTIONOur study highlights kinship linkages and child fostering over time and space.It suggests vital areas in future research on fostering and kinship more broadly and demonstrates the