Understanding kinship care
Kinship care is where children are raised by relatives or close family friends instead of their biological parents. This can be a temporary or permanent solution, and it may occur informally or through legal frameworks such as Child Arrangements Orders or Special Guardianship Orders.
For the first time, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) this year makes specific reference to kinship care in the section for Virtual School Heads (p195-200)
Types of Kinship Care Arrangements
Kinship care can take various forms, including:
- Informal Kinship Care: This occurs when a close family member or friend cares for a child based on a private agreement with the parents. The parents retain parental responsibility, and the local authority has no significant role in the arrangement.
- Child Arrangements Order (CAO): Granted by the family court, a CAO determines who the child will live with or visit and for how long. The kinship carer shares parental responsibility with the parents or others until the child turns 18 unless the court specifies otherwise.
- Special Guardianship Order (SGO): This order gives the kinship carer parental responsibility for the child and allows them to live permanently with the child. However, significant decisions, such as changing the child's surname, require court permission.
- Kinship Foster Care involves caring for children under the local authority's care. This can be through a voluntary agreement under section 20 of the Children Act 1989 or a Care Order issued by the family court. The kinship carer is approved as a local authority foster carer, either temporarily or after a full assessment.
Benefits of Kinship Care
Research indicates that children in kinship care often have better outcomes than those in other non-parental care settings. Benefits include:
- More stable and permanent living arrangements.
- Higher levels of employment.
- Better social and emotional well-being.
- Improved physical health.
- Greater likelihood of staying with siblings.
- A stronger sense of being loved and cared for.
Challenges for Kinship Carers
While kinship care offers numerous benefits, it can be challenging and costly for the carers. Many kinship carers receive minimal support, highlighting the need for government and institutional recognition and reform to provide necessary assistance and acknowledgement.
The Government's Definition of Kinship Care
In the December 2023 document "Championing Kinship Care: The National Kinship Care Strategy," the government defines kinship care as any situation where a child is raised by a friend or family member who is not their parent. This includes various arrangements such as informal kinship care, private fostering, CAOs, SGOs, and kinship foster care.
The Role of Virtual School Heads
Virtual School Heads play a crucial role in supporting the educational needs of children in kinship care. Their responsibilities include:
- Highlighting the specific needs of children in kinship care.
- Promoting practices that support educational attendance and engagement.
- Providing advice and information to kinship carers to help navigate the education system and advocate for the children's educational success.
Inspectorate’s Role
Inspectorates, such as Ofsted, evaluate local authorities' performance supporting kinship care through the Inspecting Local Authority Children's Services framework. They identify strengths and areas needing improvement to enhance the progress and experiences of children in kinship care.
Conclusion
Kinship care is a vital form of alternative child care, offering better outcomes for children than other non-parental care types. However, kinship carers face significant challenges and need adequate support. The government's national strategy aims to empower kinship families by providing necessary resources and recognition, ensuring better outcomes for the children in their care.
Sara Spinks
SSS Author & Former Headteacher
