Kinship Care Alliance co-chairs respond to new national kinship care strategy

Ellen Broomé and Shanayd Warren, Co-Chairs of the Kinship Care Alliance, said:

“We celebrate the first ever strategy to focus on recognising children and young people raised in kinship care. This is something that the members of the Kinship Care Alliance have been working for over many years. While we believe there is further to go to properly support and invest in kinship care and improve outcomes for children, we believe this strategy lays the groundwork for further progress.

“The commitment to update statutory guidance is long overdue. To ensure it addresses current disparities between how local authorities support kinship families, we need to equip practitioners and local authorities to support families, with training, advice and extra resources. A clear definition of kinship care can also support kinship carers and professionals to identify their circumstances and access to support. We urge the Government to now put this in legislation.

“The extension of the Virtual School Head role is very encouraging, to promote the educational attainment of kinship children. The introduction of guidance for employers is also a step in the right direction but the Government should continue to pursue a national right to paid employment leave for kinship carers akin to adoption leave.

“The Kinship Care Alliance will continue working closely with the Government to make sure that the implementation of the strategy does indeed deliver improved support for families and better outcomes for children. This includes engaging with the new advisory board, expanded kinship care reference group, and new Kinship Care Ambassador. Putting the voices and experiences of kinship carers centre stage will be critical in creating real change.”