Get help and advice

Becoming a kinship carer can be overwhelming and there’s a lot of information to take in. Whether you are new to kinship care, already caring for a child or supporting a family member or friend, we’re here to help.

Kinship advice team senior adviser Nic Kerr

Advice line opening hours

We have taken the difficult decision to reduce our phone line opening hours. We have received a high number of enquiries and this will allow us to get back to the kinship carers who are currently waiting for a response.

Our line will now be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The advice line number is 0300 123 7015.

Other ways to get help and advice

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Free workshops for kinship carers

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What is kinship care?

Kinship care is when a child lives all or most of the time with a relative or friend who isn’t their parent, usually because their parents aren’t able to care for them. That relative or friend is called a kinship carer.

Many kinship carers are grandparents, but they are also siblings, aunts, uncles, family friends and others with a close connection to the child.

Advice to support your kinship journey

The Kinship advice team are specialists in supporting kinship carers across England and Wales. We can support you wherever you are in your kinship journey.

From thinking about becoming a kinship carer to supporting you as you care for your kinship child or children – we’re here for you.

Life can be overwhelming. We’ll give you advice and information to try and make your life as a kinship carer a bit easier.  Kinship is non-judgemental. We’re friendly and we’ll help you navigate a sometimes complex and confusing system.

"Simply brillant, well explained advice, from a friendly team. Much needed support that every future or present kinship carer needs."
Kinship carer who attended our advice workshop

Worried about a child’s safety or welfare?

If you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare, you can read about where to and how to report your concerns.