Thurrock is marking Kinship Care Week (5 to 11 October) by highlighting the important role kinship carers play in supporting children and young people across the borough.
Kinship carers are relatives or family friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to do so. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and close family friends who provide children with stability while helping them maintain important family and community connections.
Earlier this year, Thurrock was selected as one of only seven local authorities across England to take part in the Department for Education's Kinship Pilot Programme. As a designated Kinship Zone, Thurrock is working with local kinship carers to better understand their experiences and help shape future support for families.
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.
To learn more about the Kinship Pilot, and whether you are eligible to apply, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/family-and-friends-carers/about-kinship-zones
Free online information session
Anyone interested in learning more about kinship care can also take part in a free online breakfast briefing on Wednesday 7 October, hosted by CoramBAAF, a leading membership organisation and charity working to improve outcomes for children and young people in care, adoption and kinship care.
The session will explore what kinship care is, the different types of kinship care arrangements and the vital role kinship carers play in supporting children and young people.
To book on, visit: Kinship Care Week: Kinship Care Week: Breakfast briefing – What is kinship care? | CoramBAAF