COVID-19 Update: In response to government guidance we have adapted our support for kinship carers and our project workers are offering a high level of support by phone and videoconference. If you are from a local authority or Regional Adoption Agency and are interested in finding out more about how we can support special guardians in response to the coronavirus, please get in touch with Kate O’Brien at kate.obrien@grandparentsplus.org.uk.
For information on the additional funding for the Adoption Support Fund click here.
For useful resources for kinship carers in relation to COVID-19 click here.
Programmes
Kinship Response
An agency membership service responding to COVID-19 that regional adoption agencies, and local authorities, can commission through the Adoption Support Fund, to support special guardians in their areas.
Kinship Ready
Our preparatory workshop series for special guardians, ideally before they are granted the order.
Kinship Connected
A tried and tested model helping local authorities improve outcomes for special guardians and other kinship carers.
Kinship Active
Helping kinship families get more active together. Families have access to project workers, free or low-cost local activities, and a community of kinship families for support.
Why commission us
The Adoption Support Fund
The Adoption Support Fund was set up by the Department for Education to provide funds to local authorities and regional adoption agencies to pay for essential therapeutic services for eligible adopted children and children being raised under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO). The fund is only available to those children being raised under an SGO who have previously been looked after by the local authority.
However, while numbers are increasing, only 12% of applications made to the fund are for children being raised by special guardians.
Please see the below presentation from the Department for Education to find out more about the fund and how to apply.
Other support we offer
The Kinship Care Guide for England contains everything kinship carers need to know. Bulk order for kinship carers in your local authority and receive a 15% discount.
Join our professionals network
Join our Kinship Care Professionals Network to stay up-to-date with news from the world of kinship care, find out about new developments and services, and the latest events and research reports.
Free advice service
All kinship carers, regardless of legal order, can access our free, specialist advice service – online, via email or over the phone.
Kinship community
All kinship carers can join our free community where they can take part in surveys and campaigns, discuss issues that affect them, attend events, share tips and advice, and hear about discounts, local events, days out and much more.
