Kinship Zones
Thurrock Council is one of seven local authorities taking part in a national Kinship Zones pilot funded by the Department for Education (DfE).
The pilot aims to increase the support available to Kinship Carers and represents the largest investment of its kind.
Through the pilot, Thurrock Council will receive funding and support from the DfE to:
- increase the number of Kinship Carers who are eligible for financial support, and
- support wider family networks to help children stay safely at home.
We have worked with the National Kinship Care Ambassador to develop a delivery plan for this support.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by email at SGOAdmin@thurrock.gov.uk
Why this is a pilot
The Kinship Zones pilot will test how paying eligible Kinship Carers an allowance affects:
- placement stability, and
- outcomes for children.
The allowance is set at the National Minimum Fostering Allowance rate.
The government will use evidence from the pilot to help shape any potential future national offer for Kinship Carers.
How long the pilot will last
The pilot is expected to run for three and a half years from 1 April 2026, subject to funding reviews.
What the evaluation will study
The evaluation will look at:
- the impact of the pilot
- how it was delivered in different areas
- value for money
- whether the allowance improves outcomes for children
- whether it reduces pressure on the care system
This evidence will inform future national policy decisions.