Why kinship care?

What is a kinship carer?

When a birth parent is unable to care for their child, the child may live full-time or most of the time with a relative or friend. That relative or friend is known as a ‘kinship carer’ or ‘connected person’.

Becoming a kinship carer (non-foster carers)

An informal arrangement is when the birth parent(s) agree that a child can live with a family member or friend without local authority involvement.  

When a child becomes known to children’s social care due to safeguarding concerns, a kinship placement may be the best option for the child. Your social worker will discuss options with both the birth family and support the family to identify potential carers within the family network.

If a potential kinship carer is identified, the child’s social worker will support the family through the assessment and court application, which may result in a family and friends fostering placement, a special guardianship order, or child arrangement order.

Kinship legal options can be complex - we strongly advise you to take advice at the earliest possible stage about your options and the implications related to becoming a kinship carer.

The below organisations may be able to support you getting legal advice/support. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and Nottinghamshire County Council is not responsible for the content of their websites:

Kinship

0300 123 7015 (Monday to Friday from 9.30am-2.00pm)

  • Information regarding legal orders;
  • A lawyers list for a solicitor in your area who specialises in childcare law;
  • Information about testamentary guardianship;
  • Links to further support.

Family Rights Group

0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday 9.30am–3pm)

  • Free confidential advice to families who are involved with local authority children’s services or need help from those services;
  • Detailed information to help you navigate some of the complexities of kinship care;
  • A ‘frequently asked questions’ section;
  • Detailed advice sheets related to kinship care.

Child Law Advice Service

0300 330 5480 (Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm)

  • The law surrounding an arrangement whereby a child goes to live with a relative, friend or other connected person;
  • The duties of the local authority to assess the suitability of a Family and Friends Carer and provide support where necessary;
  • Court processes in private family law cases;
  • Practical advice on representing yourself in court.

Advocate

020 7092 3960 (Mon, Weds, Fri 10.15am – 12.45pm)

  • Free legal assistance from volunteer barristers.

Grandparents Legal Centre

0843 289 7130

  • Specialist legal advice for grandparents, including local authority responsibilities and other issues affecting kinship carers. 

NYAS

0808 808 1001 (Monday to Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 10am-4pm)

  • Charity offering specialist legal advice and assistance, advocacy and legal representation to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Personal Support Unit

  • Free and independent support from trained volunteers who help people who are facing civil court proceedings without legal representation. PSUs are based in courts around the country.

We will offer all family and friends carers, special guardianship order and child arrangement order applicants bespoke family and friends training during their assessment. If eligible, your child’s social worker will provide further details and refer you to one of our monthly courses.

Once you’ve become a kinship carer, the Kinship Support Service can also support your family accessing:

  • Bespoke kinship support plans;
  • Therapeutic training;
  • The developmental trauma and attachment team;
  • Assessment for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (see eligibility criteria here);
  • Life story work for your children;
  • Local and national independent support, advice and guidance. 

Nottinghamshire County Council currently offers a means tested financial allowance to eligible kinship carers. During your application our team of specialist welfare rights officers will conduct a financial assessment, discuss any exceptional payments, and ensure you receive appropriate financial support.

To discuss your assessment/allowance please contact the Welfare Rights Officers on 01158 041407 or email kinshipsupport@nottscc.gov.uk 

 

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