Definition and types of kinship care
Kinship care is when a child lives with someone who is not their parent, such as a friend or family member. Kinship care can be a temporary or long-term arrangement. Many people do not realise they are kinship carers.
Our kinship offer follows relevant legislation, guidance and best practice to support your arrangements.
Understanding who can be a kinship carer
A kinship carer is someone who knows the child and takes on their care. This could be the child’s:
- close relative
- half sibling’s close relative
- parent’s former stepparent or partner
- close friend
- parent’s close friend
- close relative’s close friend
- teacher
- youth worker
- childminder
- former foster carer
A kinship carer could also be someone who already knows the child in another role.
A close relative is defined by the Children Act 1989 as a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, or stepparent.
Read a real-life perspective on being a kinship carer at bbc.co.uk.