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Legal Update: National Kinship Care Strategy

3 mins read
CoramBAAF kinship consultants Clare Seth and Ann Horne outline the government’s new strategy.
Financial support for kinship carers is inconsistent, say experts. Picture: Prostock Studio/Adobe Stock
Financial support for kinship carers is inconsistent, say experts. Picture: Prostock Studio/Adobe Stock

The first ever National Kinship Care Strategy sets out the government’s vision for kinship families to be supported, empowered and understood. The long-awaited strategy aims to address inequalities by increasing support, committing to a review of relevant legislation, and taking steps to ensure kinship care is better defined and understood. However, some say the strategy is too cautious and lacks detail on support and funding for local authorities.

Defining kinship care

The new definition of kinship care will help to raise awareness and “reduce barriers to kinship carers accessing services and support by creating a common understanding of what kinship care means”. It’s a definition that includes many types of care arrangements: informal, formal – where a court order has been made, kinship foster care and some private fostering. However, without accompanying legislative change, the definition may not lead to improvements in access to services.

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