Grandparents Plus has been campaigning for greater recognition of the role of kinship carers and better support including a period of paid leave when they take on the care of a child similar to adoptive parents.
But the group said there are growing concerns from family members who believe the government’s drive on adoption is overlooking their contribution.
Laura, a 43-year-old who has been raising her two grandchildren aged three and six, said: “Kinship care should not be portrayed as an inferior choice to adoption. We feel like we are second class citizens and this is so wrong.”
According to the charity for every child adopted from care each year there are more than 70 living with kinship carers. Legally, children’s services should first consider placing children with other family members before exploring other options, including adoption.
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