The government's implementation strategy following the Independent Review of Children's Social Care proposes significant changes to the kinship care landscape including a National Kinship Strategy and a working definition of kinship care.
A National Kinship Strategy will be published by the end of 2023 that will look at “issues such as educational entitlements, training and improving local authority practice – as well as updating on reform activity such as exploring financial allowances”. A National Kinship Strategy will not only inform practice now, but will hopefully secure ongoing commitments from future governments, akin to the National Adoption Strategy.
While the focus and recognition of kinship care is welcome, overall, the response falls short of the Care Review's ambitious plans for an overhaul of children's social care. There are proposed pilot schemes for pathfinders, which will test reforms to child protection and family support, and regional care co-operatives, where local authorities in a region will work together to deliver foster care. But there is no clarity yet as to the government's long-term financial commitment to these plans, beyond the initial two years.
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