Kinship care is when a child is looked after by someone already linked to their family. This is often a relative; a grandparent, aunt, uncle or older sibling. It can also be a family friend, neighbour or someone else the child already knows and trusts.
Kinship carers step in when a child cannot stay with their birth parents. Kinship care can be for a short or long time.
Sometimes families arrange their own kinship care. This is called informal kinship care. This might happen when the parent is ill or will be away from the child for a few days or more.
When a child is 'looked after' by the local authority, they must place the child with suitable carers. They may choose a child's relative or family friend to provide this care. This is called formal kinship care.
Kinship care helps children feel safe and cared for. It lets them stay close to their family, friends and school. This helps children feel they belong and gives them comfort during hard times.
There are six types of kinship care arrangements.
