Sir Peter Bottomley MP

November 2022

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Thank you for contacting me about kinship carers.

 

As many have rightly pointed out, family and friends play a vital role in caring for children who are unable to live with their parents.

 

We know that children benefit most from living with someone they already know and trust, rather than a stranger.

 

I understand that the Department for Education is currently already considering the recommendations made in the Independent Review of Children's Social Care. This includes the recommendations to introduce a statutory definition of kinship care, provide kinship carers with paid time off work when a child starts living with them, and provide financial allowances at the same rate as foster carers.

 

Further, Statutory guidance for local authorities on supporting kinship carers has been issued. This makes it clear that children and young people should receive the support that they and their carers need to safeguard and promote their welfare. It explains that support, including financial support, can be provided under the Children Act 1989. Local authorities should also have clear eligibility criteria in place in relation to the support services they provide.

 

Local authorities are also required by central government to publish a policy that sets out their approach to promoting and supporting the needs of all children living with kinship carers. The policy should be clear, updated regularly, and made freely and widely available.

 

I would encourage you to contact your local Councillor for more information about the policy in our area.

 

I know that the Government understands the difficulties that some grandparents face in continuing relationships with their grandchildren following disputes arising from parental separation. This has been a subject of great concern to several local families and constituents.

 

Work is underway to review the operation of the Child Arrangements Programme. I understand ministers will monitor how this work develops before deciding whether something specific is needed in respect of grandparents and, if so, what that might be.

 

I hope this reassures you that the importance and value of kinship carers in the care system is recognised.

 

Have confidence that I remain actively engaged and supportive on this important subject.

 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

 

Sir Peter Bottomley MP