Your kinship arrangement

On this page:

Understanding your options as a kinship carer

Kinship legal options can be complex - we strongly advise you to take advice at the earliest possible stage about your options and the implications related to becoming a kinship carer.

We have also put together a one minute guide to kinship arrangements and legal orders.

The below organisations may be able to support you getting legal advice or support. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and we (the council) are not responsible for the content of their websites.

Kinship

0300 123 7015 (Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 2pm)

Visit the Kinship charity website.

  • Information regarding legal orders
  • A lawyers list for a solicitor in your area who specialises in childcare law
  • Information about testamentary guardianship
  • Links to further support

Family Rights Group

0808 801 0366 (Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 3pm)

Visit the Family Rights Group website.

  • Free confidential advice to families who are involved with local authority children’s services or need help from those services
  • Detailed information to help you navigate some of the complexities of kinship care
  • A ‘frequently asked questions’ section
  • Detailed advice sheets related to kinship care

Child Law Advice Service

0300 330 5480 (Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm)

Visit the Child Law Advice service website.

  • The law surrounding an arrangement whereby a child goes to live with a relative, friend or other connected person
  • The duties of the local authority to assess the suitability of a Family and Friends Carer and provide support where necessary
  • Court processes in private family law cases
  • Practical advice on representing yourself in court

Advocate

020 7092 3960 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:15am to 12:45pm)

Visit the Advocate website.

Free legal assistance from volunteer barristers.

Grandparents Legal Centre

0843 289 7130

Visit the Grandparents Legal Centre website.

Specialist legal advice for grandparents, including local authority responsibilities and other issues affecting kinship carers. 

NYAS

0808 808 1001 (Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 4pm)

Visit the NYAS website.

Charity offering specialist legal advice and assistance, advocacy and legal representation to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Personal Support Unit

Visit the Personal Support Unit website.

Free and independent support from trained volunteers who help people who are facing civil court proceedings without legal representation. PSUs are based in courts around the country.

Training and support

We will offer all family and friends carers and special guardianship order applicants bespoke family and friends training during their assessment. If eligible, your child’s social worker will provide further details and refer you to one of our monthly courses.

Once you’ve become a kinship carer, the Kinship Support Service can also support your family accessing:

  • Bespoke kinship support plans
  • Therapeutic training
  • Assessment for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (see eligibility criteria here)
  • Life story work for your children
  • Local and national independent support, advice and guidance

Financial support for special guardianship order and child arrangement orders

We currently offer a means tested financial allowance to eligible kinship carers. Our team of specialist welfare rights officers can conduct a financial assessment and ensure you receive appropriate financial support.

To discuss your assessment or allowance please contact the Welfare Rights Officers on 01158 041407 or email [email protected].  

Useful links