Jessica O'ConnorThousands of children in kinship care are set to receive earlier and more consistent support under a new £126m government pilot announced by the Department for Education.
The initiative will establish seven Kinship Zones across England, providing financial allowances to eligible relatives – such as grandparents, aunts and uncles – who care for children whose parents are unable to do so.
Around 5,000 children are expected to benefit during the initial phase.
Kinship carers currently receive inconsistent financial support compared with foster carers and adoptive families, despite evidence suggesting children in kinship care often achieve better outcomes than those in residential care.
Under the pilot, carers in participating areas will receive funding per child equivalent to foster care allowances.
The programme will run for up to three and a half years, with future expansion subject to evaluation.
Minister for Children and Families, Josh MacAlister, said: “As a country we owe kinship carers our thanks and our support, and the new financial allowance which we’re trialling as part of our plan for change recognises the vital role they play ensuring families can stay together.
“We promised to introduce this scheme to support kinship carers who step up for the children they love and give every child the best possible start in life.
“These Kinship Zones will lead the way in showing the impact for children when we unlock the power of grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives who could care for their kin in the place of the care system.”
Dr Jo Casebourne, chief executive of Foundations, said: “Kinship carers play a vital role in helping to ensure that children can stay safely looked after in their family networks.
“That’s why we’re pleased to undertake the evaluation of the kinship financial allowances pilot announced today, to help to build the evidence base and shape future support for kinship carers and the children they care for.”
Jahnine Davies, National Kinship Care ambassador, said: “The launch of the Kinship Zones pilot marks an important milestone for kinship carers and the children they care for.
“For the first time, we have a government-led initiative that will not only examine how best to provide financial support for kinship families but will also encourage local authorities to look holistically at the support they offer and adopt a genuine ‘think family’ approach.”
