New legal recognition and protections for kinship families are here. But what happens next?

Stefan says:

“I think both the new legal definition of kinship care and the kinship local offer are extremely important.

I have seen how differently children within the same family can be treated depending on their legal status and whether they were previously looked after.

I am interested in what recognition in law could mean in practice, including better understanding from schools, health professionals and local authorities.

I would also like to highlight the importance of every family receiving clear information about financial support, therapeutic services, respite, education and how decisions can be challenged.

For me, the important question is whether these changes will lead to meaningful and consistent support for kinship families, rather than recognition in name alone.

Support must also help make kinship arrangements sustainable over the long term, so children can grow up with stability and carers have the help they need to continue caring.

Local authorities must work closely with families to develop a strong and meaningful kinship local offer. And Government needs to invest in things like paid kinship leave and therapeutic services in order for new law to achieve its aim and for kinship families to get the recognition and support they deserve.”