Kinship care is when a child lives with a relative or family friend because their parents can't care for them.

The first option we should explore with you is whether someone in your wider family or friendship network can care for them instead.  

There are a range of ways that you can make kinship care happen: 

  • a child may live with a close relative (this includes a grandparent, aunt, uncle, stepparent (including civil partnerships), sister or brother. We would not usually be involved in this arrangement 
  • a child may live with a more distant relative or family friend; this is called Private fostering. We must be informed so we can ensure the child's well-being and support the carers
  • a relative or family friend who is looking after the child can apply to become a kinship foster carer. We will assess them, and if suitable, both they and the child will receive ongoing support from us
  • a relative or family friend who is looking after the child can apply for a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). The special guardian has day-to-day responsibility for all decisions concerning the child 

For more information about these different types of kinship care, read our full Kinship Care policy. 

Find more information about Kinship Care from the Family Rights Group charity. 

To find out more about becoming a kinship carer, please contact the Fostering Team.