Family networks in kinship care
We can help families come together to make plans and decisions that are in the child's best interests.
Family network meetings
A family network meeting is led by the Kinship Team or a social worker.
The meeting brings together family members and other important people in the child's life to discuss how they can support the child.
Family network meetings help families:
- understand what support the child needs
- identify who can help
- make plans quickly
- keep children safe within their family network
Family group conferences
A family group conference is a meeting led by an independent coordinator.
The family works together to make a plan for the child's future, with support from professionals when needed.
Family group conferences can help:
- provide stable, long-term care for the child
- reduce family conflict
- involve parents where it is safe and appropriate
- improve family relationships
- make sure decisions are made in the child's best interests
Families are given time and space to develop their own plans.
Family mediation
Sometimes family members find it difficult to meet together because of conflict or disagreements.
In these situations, mediation may be offered. Mediation helps families communicate safely and prepare for meetings.
Managing family relationships
Taking on the care of a child can change family relationships.
Kinship carers may need to balance the needs of the child with relationships they already have with the child's parents and other family members.
This can lead to:
- different views about parenting
- feelings of guilt or worry
- tension within the family
- challenges around family time arrangements
Many carers find it helpful to talk to other kinship carers who have had similar experiences.
To hear about support groups, contact the Kinship Care Team.
Kinship Care Team
Email: sgosupport@cumbria.gov.uk
Supporting family time
Family time is when a child spends time with their parents, siblings or other important family members.
Spending time with family can help a child:
- stay connected to important people
- understand their family history
- build a sense of identity and belonging
Family time should always be safe and support the child's wellbeing.
When family time is difficult
Some kinship carers find family time challenging to manage.
If Children's Services are involved, it is important to tell your social worker about any concerns. Sharing concerns helps us understand what support the child needs.
If you have parental responsibility and there is a court order in place, you may be able to review how family time is working for the child. If you are unsure, contact the Kinship Team for advice.
Helpful tips from kinship carers
Kinship carers have told us these ideas can help:
- use a separate phone for contact with parents
- ask a trusted friend or family member to help with arrangements
- agree costs before activities take place
- help children use social media safely
You do not need to manage these challenges on your own. If family time is causing difficulties, contact:
sgosupport@cumbria.gov.uk
Levels of support during family time
Different children need different levels of support.
Unsupervised family time
The child spends time with their parent without a worker present.
Facilitated family time
A trusted adult helps arrange or support the visit but does not stay throughout.
Supervised family time
A worker stays with the child and parent during the visit to help keep everyone safe and supported.
Life story work
Life story work helps children understand their past and why important decisions were made about their care.
As children grow older, they often have new questions about their family, where they live and what has happened in their lives.
Kinship carers can support children by answering questions honestly and in a way that matches the child's age and understanding.
If you are worried that a child is struggling to understand their story, contact the Kinship Team:
Email: sgosupport@cumbria.gov.uk
We can offer advice, support and information to help you have these conversations.