What is kinship care?
Definition
- A child lives with relatives or family friends instead of their parents.
- People sometimes call kinship carers “family and friends carers” or “connected carers.”
- Kinship care can be a formal arrangement through a local authority. It can also be an informal arrangement made by the family (private fostering).
- Many kinship carers are grandparents, uncles, aunts, older siblings, or close family friends.
Benefits of kinship care
Kinship care gives children:
- The chance to build a firm foundation for a lifelong permanent relationship
- The opportunity to remain in the care of their extended family network
- Care with adults who have a pre-existing relationship or connection with them
Process of becoming a kinship foster carer
Assessment
- An assessing social worker visits the carer's home.
- Temporary approval for up to 16 weeks in emergencies.
- Full assessment includes criminal records, health checks, and references.
- Assessment considers the carer's ability to meet the child's needs.
Fostering Panel
- The assessing social worker presents a report to the fostering panel.
- The panel makes recommendations about approval.
- Carers are notified of the decision in writing.
Special Guardianship Orders
What is a Special Guardianship Order?
- Kinship carers can apply for special guardianship. If a child can't go back to live with their parents.
- Special guardianship is a legal order. This order shows a permanent care arrangement for the child.
Read more information on Special Guardianship Orders | Special Guardianship Orders
Support for Kinship Foster Carers
Home Visits
- Regular visits from the child's social worker and a supervising social worker.
- Support groups and access to kinship specific training for advice and guidance.
Training
- Kinship foster carers must attend preparation groups.
- Training, support, and development standards must be met within 18 months.
Our Manchester Offer
- Kinship foster carers have access to all of the support available to foster carers at Manchester. This includes membership of a local Fostering Hive. Manchester Fostering Hives are local community networks which allow foster carers to access local support and meet other carers with similar circumstances.
- Find out more about Manchester Fostering Hives
More information
For more information on Kinship foster care, you can download our updated Kinship Information Pack
You can also contact us using our contact form with any questions.