CYP Now - Kinship carers ‘fear financial strain could see children enter care’

The majority of kinship carers are struggling to afford household essentials for their children prompting fears that they could enter the care system, new research finds.

The majority of kinship carers say they are struggling to afford basics, according to Kinship. Picture posed by models: Adobe Stock

The study by charity Kinship reports that kinship carers are under immense financial strain as a result of the cost of living crisis, and the lack of monetary support from the government.

Of 1,435 kinship carers surveyed, 44 per cent could not afford to pay bills and 26 per cent could not afford food.

A further 35 per cent struggled to pay for clothes for their children and 18 per cent could not afford accommodation payments, the research shows.

Meanwhile, 72 per cent of participants said that the increased financial pressure was affecting their physical and mental health, while 33 per cent believed it was also negatively impacting that of their children.

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