Kinship carers, who are relatives or close family friends, step in to care for children when their parents cannot. This vital role includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and family friends who ensure children have stability while maintaining connections to their families and communities.
Earlier this year, Thurrock was chosen as one of only seven local authorities in England to participate in the Department for Education's Kinship Pilot Programme. As a designated Kinship Zone, the council is collaborating with local kinship carers to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and to help shape future family support initiatives.
Through this pilot, Thurrock Council will receive funding and support from the DfE. The initiative aims to increase the number of kinship carers eligible for financial assistance and to bolster wider family networks, thereby helping children remain safely within their homes.
For further information on the Kinship Pilot and eligibility criteria, individuals can visit the council's website.
Additionally, an online information session is scheduled for Wednesday, 7 October. Hosted by CoramBAAF, a leading organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for children in care, adoption, and kinship care, this free breakfast briefing will explore the definition of kinship care, its various arrangements, and the indispensable role of kinship carers.
