Legal Update: Legal Q&A - Kinship care

Q What is kinship care?
A Kinship care is an arrangement where a child who cannot live with their parents is cared for full-time by a member of the child’s extended family or friend. It may be a short-term arrangement or it can be formalised through a legal order. If the arrangement is likely to last longer than six weeks, social services will need to become involved and the suitability of the kinship carer will be assessed by them.

Q What help are kinship carers entitled to?
A Kinship carers are entitled to receive support through home visits from a fostering social worker, training events, support groups and social events. If the kinship carers are being assessed as foster carers, the allocated social worker can then provide practical help such as informing the carers about other services for children (e.g. education or health) and emotional support. Kinship carers of looked-after children will receive a weekly allowance from the fostering service, and the rates are based on the child’s age and particular needs. If the kinship carers are then approved as foster carers, they will receive the same financial support as unrelated foster carers. If a kinship carer is looking after a child under a private arrangement, they may be able to obtain financial support from the local authority under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989.

Do you have any questions?
Email them to clc@essex.ac.uk
or call the Child Law Advice Line on 08088 020 008,
The National Education Line on 0845 345 4345,
Or visit www.childrenslegalcentre.com