Kinship carers to receive more cash
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Local authorities will be able to provide longer-term payments to relatives who care for children under plans in the Children and Young Persons Bill.
The Bill proposes to amend the 1989 Children Act so councils can provide more financial support to kinship carers.
David Holmes, chief executive of the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, said the change was important. "The Bill attempts to remove some of the barriers to kinship care. It's a real attempt to try and improve support and to value the role kinship carers play," he said.
The Bill will make it easier for relatives to apply to become legally responsible for a child and allow them to maintain responsibility until the child's 18th birthday rather than the present age of 16. The legislation will also make it clear that children placed by local authorities with family or friends retain looked-after children status.
But legislation is only the start, added Holmes. "We need real change in practices on the ground, so there is a stronger focus on supporting families and friends who care for looked-after children," he said.