Grandparents and Kinship Carers

Kinship carers are family members (often but not exclusively grandparents) who are looking after children, either formally under an Special Guardian Order (SGO) or informally as part of a family's support system. Its really important we provide kinship carers with support as part of our work, particularly as the children may have come to live with them in traumatic or difficult circumstances.

 

Information and advice for Kinship Carers

Adopt London offer a special advice line for SGO carers in 24 London boroughs including Camden. Information here Special Guardians | Adopt London

Kinship provide a dedicated advice line for grandparents and kinship carers

For kinship carers - Kinship - The kinship care charity

Grandparents and kinship carers can also join the Kinship Community if they would find it helpful to connect with other people in similar situations. You can find information here

Kinship Connected Camden - Kinship - The kinship care charity

https://www.grandparentsplus.org.uk/join-our-community-of-kinship-carers/

You can also try Family Rights Group who provide a range of information, advice, services and support for kinship carers 

Kinship carers - Family Rights Group (frg.org.uk)

 

Benefits advice for Kinship Carers

Kinship carers should have a welfare rights check to make sure they are accessing all the benefits they are entitled to. You can find more information here

Kinship care - Citizens Advice

Support kinship carers to book an appointment with family hub welfare rights advisors or with the Councils welfare rights team Camden Welfare Rights Team | Family Early Help

If the family have an SGO through Camden, talk with the Friends and Family Service to find out what support they are offering (contact Chantelle Stephens on Outlook). 

 

Housing and Kinship Carers

Some kinship carers may need to try and secure larger accommodation, particularly where they are providing a home for a sibling group. Think about working with housing colleagues to maximise housing options and to review housing points (see housing allocations on this link Finding a Home | Family Early Help (camden.gov.uk)

 

Family Group Conference for Kinship Carers

An FGC may be a very positive option to help kinship carers to bring together other friends and family members to support them and the child/ren. More information on FGC here Early Help Family Group Conference | Family Early Help (camden.gov.uk)