What kinship care is

Every child and young person deserves to grow up in a safe, loving home. In many families, relatives or close friends step in to care for a child or young person full-time when their parents cannot do so. This is called kinship care, and it plays a vital role in helping children stay connected to the people, places and cultures that matter to them.

In Camden, many children are being cared for by grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles or family friends. These arrangements, whether informal or arranged with the help of social care services, are often rooted in love, loyalty and a strong sense of responsibility.

At Camden, we value the incredible and important role kinship carers play in providing security, stability and belonging for children and young people within the borough. We have a Kinship Strategy, and through this we're committed to ensuring that children and young people can remain within their family networks whenever safe to do so.

For those who take on the vital role of kinship carer, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support from training, financial assistance and legal guidance to emotional and practical help. This includes peer support, so that no carer faces this responsibility alone.

Types of kinship care

There are a few types of kinship care.

Informal Kinship Care

These are private, family-led arrangements where a child or young person is cared for by relatives (such as a grandparent or older sibling) without a legal order or formal involvement from us.

Special Guardianship Order (SGO)

This is where a trusted adult, often a relative or close family friend, is appointed by the court to care for a child or young person and take on parental responsibility. Find out more about becoming a special guardian on GOV.UK.

Child Arrangements Order (CAO)

This is where the court agrees a child or young person should live with a family member or friend who is not their parent and formal arrangements are made.

Kinship foster care

This is also known as family and friends foster care or connected persons. This is when a relative or family friend is assessed and becomes a child or young person’s approved foster carer.

Your rights and responsibilities

As a kinship carer, you're taking on an important role in a child’s life. Every kinship situation is different, but here's what you can expect.

Your responsibilities

You have a responsibility to:

  • provide a safe, stable and caring home
  • support the child’s day‑to‑day needs with education, health, routines, and emotional wellbeing
  • work with social workers and other professionals and practitioners when required
  • attend meetings about the child’s or young person’s care plan
  • support the child’s identity, culture and family connections
  • help the child maintain safe and appropriate contact with parents where agreed

Your rights

You have a right to:

  • receive clear information and support from the council
  • access financial guidance and help where eligible
  • be included in decisions about the child’s or young person’s care
  • request training or support services to help you in your caring role
  • take part in assessments fairly and with transparency
  • be treated with respect and included as a key part of the child or young person’s support network

A child who has been in the care of their local authority for more than 24 hours is known as a Child Looked After. If the child you're caring for is a Child Looked After, you also have rights under fostering legislation.

Inclusion

Equality and inclusion are central to our vision and values. We're committed to working with kinship carers in a way that promotes fairness and respect, and listens to individual needs.

Kinship carers bring a wealth of experience and come from diverse backgrounds, including differences in culture, ethnicity, socio-economic circumstances, age, disability, and sexual orientation. Our approach ensures these differences are recognised and valued, not overlooked or stereotyped.

Being inclusive strengthens our relationships and creates stability for children. We build on carers’ strengths and respect their lived experiences.

Ultimately, equality and inclusion are not just about fairness: they're essential for delivering ethical, effective, and empowering support that truly meets the needs of families.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about kinship care or would like support, contact the Family, Friends and Fostering Team: