Kinship care means that childten are cared for by members of their extended family in circumstances where their birth paremst are not able to provide care.

Research suggests that kinship care is the most appropriate and helpful arrangement for some children who are unable to live with their parents. Kinship care placements can provide stability, a sense of belonging and identity, and the chance to maintain meaningful relationships with important family members. Currently, the level and nature of the support provided for kinship care placements varies across the country. If we are to achieve good outcomes for all of our looked after children, we must make sure that children are enabled to grow up within their extended families, where this is appropriate, and that kinship care placements are adequately, and consistently, supported.