Kinship Care



Kinship Care is when a child is being raised by someone who is not their parent. Kinship Carers can be grandparents, uncles, aunts, older brothers and sisters or other adults who have a connection to the child, such as neighbours or family friends. Kinship Carers are sometimes called family and friends carers.

Find out more about the different Types of Kinship Care Orders

How do I become a Kinship Carer?

You might be contacted by Children's Services and asked to care for a child who can no longer live with their parents due to safety concerns. Alternatively, informal arrangements can be made between the parent(s) and the carer(s), often because of illness or other reasons.

What is expected of me?

As a Kinship Carer, you will need to provide a safe, stable, and caring home for the child and help meet their emotional, educational, social, and health needs.

It's also important to support the child in staying connected with their parents and other family members, as this helps them build their sense of identity. You should also respect the child's family background when making decisions about their care and future.

Becoming a Kinship Carer can feel overwhelming, and you will likely need to make big changes in your life and home. But this can also be a very rewarding experience for both you and the child you're caring for.

Living as a Kinship Carer

Support as a Kinship carer

The Kinship Assessment will consider your support needs. If you apply for a Special Guardianship Order (SGO), an SGO Support Plan will be created with you and shared with the court. Take this plan to a solicitor, as your care arrangement affects both your and the child’s rights, including financial support. Speak to your Kinship Social Worker to check if you qualify for help with legal costs.

Find out more about the support on offer to you:

To find out more about the support in East Sussex please contact kinship@eastsussex.gov.uk or call 01323 464040

Safeguarding concern

If you have any safeguarding concerns regarding a child or young person, please contact Single Point of Advice 

Kinship Survey

https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/childrens-services/ba0fb33f

 


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