Specialty Permanency Practice Exam

What term describes someone accepted as part of a family without blood relation?

1. Fictive kin

2. Informal support

3. Caseworker

4. Extended family

The correct answer is: Fictive kin

The term that describes someone who is accepted as part of a family without blood relation is "fictive kin." This concept encompasses individuals who, although not biologically related, may still share close emotional bonds or social connections that enable them to be treated as family members. Fictive kin relationships commonly arise in various contexts, such as friendships, communal living situations, or relationships formed through shared experiences or circumstances. Recognizing fictive kin as part of a family highlights the importance of social networks and support systems in the context of family dynamics. This understanding is critical in fields such as social work and permanency planning, where the emphasis is placed on the various forms of support families can provide, transcending biological connections. While "informal support" refers to assistance provided by non-professionals, typically from friends or community members, it does not specifically denote a familial relationship. "Caseworker" pertains to professionals tasked with managing cases in social services but does not define personal relationships. "Extended family" includes relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who are related by blood but does not encompass those outside the biological family network. Thus, "fictive kin" is the most precise term for individuals recognized as part of a family unit despite