Abstract. The study is aimed to carry out an analytical review of domestic theoretical and applied research on the problems of psychological characteristics of families exercising kinship guardianship at different stages of the life cycle. Studies of the psychology of families exercising kinship guardianship have convincingly demonstrated the specifics that significantly distinguish a foster family from other forms of substitute parenthood. It is generally accepted to consider the life of foster families at two stages: tutelage and guardianship. However, upon the coming of age of the child under guardianship, the family does not cease to exist. In this regard, we are faced with the post-guardian family phenomenon, which has not yet been studied and not even been indicated in the scientific literature. The experience of studying the guardian family psychology is a scientific and practical basis for the logical expansion of the study of the guardian family in the period of post-guardianship and its consideration as a special life situation.
Keywords: post-guardian family, foster family, kinship guardianship, guardians, foster children, orphans