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What kinship care is

Every child and young person deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home. In many families, relatives or close friends step in to care for a child or young person full-time when their parents cannot do so. This is known as kinship care, and it plays a vital role in helping children stay connected to the people, places and cultures that matter to them.  

In Camden, many children are being cared for by grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles or family friends. These arrangements, whether informal or arranged with the help of Social Care services, are often rooted in love, loyalty and a strong sense of responsibility. At Camden, we value the incredible and important role kinship carers play in providing security, stability and belonging for children and young people within the borough.

Through our Kinship Strategy, we are committed to ensuring that children and young people can remain within their family networks whenever safe to do so. For those who take on the vital role of kinship carer, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support ranging from training, financial assistance and legal guidance to emotional and practical help; this includes peer support, so that no carer faces this responsibility alone. 

Types of kinship care  

There are a few types of kinship care. 

Informal Kinship Care 

These are private, family-led arrangements where a child or young person is cared for by relatives (such as a grandparent or older sibling) without a legal order or formal involvement from us.

Special Guardianship Order (SGO) 

This is where a trusted adult, often a relative or close family friend, is appointed by the court to care for a child or young person and take on parental responsibility. Find out more about becoming a special guardian on GOV.UK. 

Child Arrangements Order (CAO) 

This is where the court agrees a child or young person should live with a family member or friend who is not their parent and formal arrangements are made. 

Kinship foster care 

This is also known as family and friends foster care, or connected persons. This is when a relative or family friend is assessed and becomes a child or young person’s approved foster carer. 

Private foster care 

This is when someone who is not a child or young person’s parent or close relative looks after them for 28 days or more. Find more information about private fostering. 

Adoption 

This is not appropriate or recommended for most kinship carers. When you adopt a child, the link between the child and parent is legally separated and you will take full parental responsibility for them. 

How we support kinship carers 

There is lots of help you can get, whether that’s emotional wellbeing services, financial support, access to legal guidance, or help with education. We want every child or young person in a kinship family to feel secure, supported, and able to thrive. 

Our 5 key priorities 

Security 

Helping children and young people stay with people they know and trust. 

We want children and young people to grow up with people they already know and love. This is why we work with families early, carry out timely and thorough assessments, and create strong support plans that meet everyone’s needs. We regularly review these plans to make sure the arrangement stays safe, stable and supportive for kinship carers and the child or young person. 

Inclusion 

Making kinship support part of everyday help. 

We recognise and value the important role kinship carers play in our community. We offer regular peer support groups, provide tailored training, run a weekly advice telephone line, and link you with local charities and services. We want kinship families to feel included and supported. 

Stability 

Support to keep kinship families together when things get tough. 

We know kinship care can be challenging, so we're here to help. We create joined-up support plans with professionals across services, offer intensive help when needed, deliver training and practical workshops and run support groups. We also do regular check-ins to make sure kinship families are getting the right support at the right time. 

Raising awareness 

Helping others understand kinship care. 

We are actively working to make sure kinship families are recognised and supported across all services, not just social care. We do this by raising awareness, organising events and training, and sharing updates that reflect the experiences of kinship families. 

Achieve 

Helping children and families thrive.

We are here to help kinship families flourish. We work with services to remove barriers and connect kinship families with the right support so children and young people living with kinship carers can thrive and achieve. Our work is across education, health, emotional wellbeing and ensures that every child or young person has the chance to reach their potential. By working in partnership with schools, local services, and community organisations, we aim to provide tailored support that strengthens kinship families and promotes positive outcomes for both kinship carers and the children and young people in their care.

Get in touch 

If you have any questions about kinship care or would like support, contact the Family, Friends and Fostering Team: 

The team manager is Phillippa Heath-Philpotts.