The move would help standardise support for this group of carers, who are relatives or friends who care for children that may otherwise be placed in foster or residential care.
The current lack of a single, universal definition “leads to different interpretations of kinship carers and variable levels of support”, says the Family Rights Group (FRG), which has launched the campaign.
The group's #TimeToDefine campaign wants kinship care and its different arrangements involving family members and friends to be written into legislation.
The move could also lead to an increasing use of kinship care by councils, adds the campaign. Currently 15 per cent of looked-after children are being cared for by family and friends.
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