Kinship Research and Practice

Kinship care too often an afterthought for children in care

Family Rights Group, working with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care (April 2024)

Analysis of government data on the number of children in kinship foster care across England and Wales suggests family and friend care options are too infrequently explored and supported in many local authorities.

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One third of local authorities are failing on kinship care obligations

Family Rights Group (March 2024)

Our audit of local authority family and friends care policies reveals that a majority of local authorities are failing to adhere to the statutory guidance on family and friends care. If local policies exist, they fall short on multiple criteria.

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164,000 children growing up in kinship care in England and Wales

Family Rights Group, using Census 2021 data (September 2023)

Analysis released from the 2021 by the ONS provides a snapshot of the population of children and carers in kinship care in the UK. Data covers regional variations, ethnicity, employment levels and deprivation.

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MPs and Peers call on Government to tackle 'legal labyrnth' faced by kinship carers

All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Kinship Care (May 2022)

‘Lost in the Legal Labyrinth’ sets out how a lack of legal aid and advice is undermining kinship care. It calls for kinship carers to have access to free independent advice and representation.

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Kinship carers' experiences during the coronavirus crisis

Ashley C, Johnston J, Hall J (May 2020)

A report setting out the results of a survey of 660 kinship carers during the Pandemic. Conducted by Family Rights Group on behalf of the Parliamentary Taskforce on Kinship Care

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The highs and lows of kinship care: supplementary analysis of a comprehensive survey of kinship carers in Scotland 2019

Young E and Hill L (April 2020)

Celcis, University of Strathclyde and Family Rights Group have published a supplementary analysis on a survey of kinship carers’ experiences during the coronavirus crisis which the charity Family Rights Group’s conducted in April 2020 on behalf of the Cross-Party Parliamentary Taskforce on Kinship Care.

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The highs and lows of kinship care: analysis of a comprehensive survey of kinship carers

Ashley C and Braun D (September 2019)

Based on information from 845 kinship carers raising at least 1252 kinship children, this extensive survey explores the employment, financial and legal challenges that many kinship carers face, alongside struggles in securing appropriate support. It sets out policy and practice recommendations.

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Delivering good practice initial assessments of family and friends carers in the context of Covid-19

Developed by Family Rights Group in partnership with an expert working group (June 2020)

The initial assessment guide is as relevant today as it was when it was first drafted in 2017. However, the public health measures in force resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic make aspects of the delivery of the guidance challenging. This appendix to the guide has been drafted by Coram Baaf and Family Rights Group with support from an expert advisory group. It sets out some possible ways to respond to those challenges.

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Initial Family and Friends Care Assessment: A good practice guide

Developed by Family Rights Group in partnership with an expert working group (2017)

The guide sets out best practice as to how initial assessments should be conducted. It explores what factors social workers conducting the assessment need to consider, including when undertaking assessments with family members overseas. It also includes research evidence, and information for kinship carers.

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Doing the right thing: A report on the experiences of kinship carers

Ashley C, Aziz R and Braun D (2015) (FRG)

The survey results found that 49% of kinship carers have had to give up work permanently to care for the kinchild, and a further 18% had to give up work temporarily.

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Could do better... Must do better: A study of family and friends care local authority policies

Mercer A, Lindley B, Hopkins A, Edited by Ashley C (2015) (FRG)

The study analysed 53 family and friends care policies, to identify how they are complying with statutory family and friends care guidance and to highlight good practice. It includes a checklist to assist local authorities to develop and improve their policies.

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What happens to siblings in the care system?

Ashley C, Roth D (2015) (FRG)

This report investigates the experience of siblings in the care system. It found that half of all sibling groups in local authority care are split up and that 37% of children in care who have at least one other sibling in care are living with none of their siblings. The report sets out a series of recommendations to enable more siblings in care to live together when it is in their interests.

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It’s Just Not Fair! Support, need and legal status in family and friends care

Hunt J and Waterhouse S (2013) (FRG/Oxford University Centre for Family Law and Policy)

Based on information from 249 legal and social work practitioners who provide or manage services for family and friends carers, this study shows that support provided to these carers and children is closely linked to the legal status of the arrangement, and not, as is stated in statutory guidance, on the basis of need.

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Relative Poverty: family and friends care in London

Roth D, Aziz R, Ashley C and Lindley B (2013) (FRG)

This is the first study that specifically examines the circumstances of kinship carers in London, and the children they are raising, including levels of financial and material deprivation. It recommends measures for local and national government.

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Understanding family and friends care: the relationship between need, support and legal status

Hunt J and Waterhouse S (2012) (FRG/Oxford University Centre for Family Law and Policy)

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Understanding family and friends care: analysis of the social and economic circumstances of family and friends carers

Aziz R and Roth D (2012) (FRG)

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Big Bruv, Little Sis: research findings on sibling carers raising their younger brothers and sisters

Roth D, Lindley B and Ashley C (2011) (FRG)

This publication sets out the findings from the first research study undertaken in the UK into the experiences of siblings who are raising their younger brothers and sisters

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Managing Contact: Research findings on managing contact with parents and relatives for children living in family and friends care arrangements

Roth D, Tunnard J, Lindley B, De Gaye A and Ashley C (2011) (FRG)

This study of contact issues in kinship care arrangements was based on interviews with carers, parents and practitioners, and an internet survey. It also includes a comprehensive international literature review and a chapter setting out the legal framework. The report concludes by making good practice recommendations to deal with the issues that have been identified.

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Special Guardianship: what does it offer children who cannot live with their parents

Jordan L and Lindley B editors (2006) (FRG)

The publication includes contributions by Lady Justice Hale, Sir James Munby, Professor June Thoburn, and a grandparent carer. It analyses the provisions for Special Guardianship and explores its potential use in meeting children’s long term needs when they cannot return home. You can buy this from our online shop.

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Getting Together – A guide to setting up and running a support group

Richards A (2004) (FRG)

This guide is aimed at anyone who is interested in setting up a kinship care support group.

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