Kinship care

Kinship Care is where children are brought up by members of their extended families, friends or other people who are connected with them. This can be for a variety of reasons, and in a range of different arrangements. Kinship care arrangements come about because children are separated from their parents, or their parents are unable to provide the care and support the child needs. The kinship arrangement may be permanent or temporary. Sometimes the arrangement is made by the local council but more often it is arranged within the family network. Sometimes these arrangements are identified through Family Group Conferences.

Many people become kinship carers, including grandparents, other relatives, godparents, step-grandparents, or other adults who have a relationship with or connection to the child. These carers are often referred to as 'kinship carers', 'family and friends carers' or 'connected persons'.

Kinship care is encouraged

Social workers encourage kinship care because they believe it is a better option for some children than being looked after by a foster carer. This is because it is easier for them to keep in touch with their parents, friends and other family members.

Types of kinship arrangements

There are several types of kinship care.

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Support for kinship carers

We provide a range of support and training for kinship carers.

Learn about available support

Financial allowances for kinship carers

Many prospective carers are concerned about how they will afford to support an extra child/children in their household.

Find out more about the support available.>

Read about financial support

Connected person assessment

After making an enquiry to become a kinship carer, or after being contacted to become a kinship carer, the next step is known as a 'connected person assessment'.

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