What is Kinship Care?

In the UK, over 121,000 children are currently living in kinship care arrangements—where they are raised by relatives or close family friends because their birth parents are unable to care for them. These children often live with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or older siblings. The reasons vary and may include bereavement, illness, disability, or issues such as neglect or substance misuse.

While many assume children in care are placed with foster families, kinship care is a vital and often overlooked alternative. It provides children with stability and familiarity, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

The Reality for Kinship Carers

There are around 200,000 kinship carers in the UK, many of whom receive little to no support. Unlike foster carers, kinship carers often:

• Receive minimal financial or practical assistance
• Must navigate complex legal and social systems alone
• Face pressure to leave work, move home, or fund childcare essentials themselves

This can lead to emotional strain, financial hardship, and a deep sense of isolation.