Kinship Caring: A complete Guide for Families

When a child cannot live with their parent or parents, they may become part of a Kinship Family, cared for by a Kinship Carer, a family member or friend. Sometimes this can work out really well for everyone: the children are happy and thrive. But sometimes, sadly, the circumstances which trigger the move for some children may leave the child vulnerable or even feeling traumatised, struggling to manage amidst so many changes, loss, muddled feelings, uncertainty and unfamiliarity. And above all, asking the question: Where do I belong?

The Kinship Carer, welcoming the child into their home, will also be making big adjustments. They may be managing contact with the child's parents, perhaps dealing with the stress of increased expenses, maybe finding less time for their own health and wellbeing. Above all, they'll be trying to enable the child to feel at home or settled into school. Some Kinship Carers feel isolated, not knowing where or how to get support.

In Kinship Caring, Educational Psychologist Dr Rachael King directly addresses Kinship Carers with warmth, sensitivity, insight and hope gained from many years of working with vulnerable children, young people, their Carers and parents. She offers a huge number of practical, accessible and interesting strategies to try together at home and at school. This book also uniquely contains free access to the Kinship Family App, which has masses more ideas and is updated whenever Government policy affecting Kinship Carers changes.

In partnership, Kinship Carers and educators can enable children in Kinship Care to feel a deep sense of safety, belonging and welcome, enabling them to thrive and grow in their new family and at school.