Clearer access to advice and support, including better
information on financial help and allowances are central to a
newly-published national ‘vision' for supporting Kinship Carers
who look after children who cannot be cared for by their parents.
The importance of family group decision-making (FGDM) has been
underlined in the final ‘Vision for Kinship Care' that has been
unveiled during Kinship Care Week, while Ministers have also
lodged proposed amendments to the Children (Care, Care
Experience, and Service Planning) (Scotland) Bill to strengthen
the role of FGDM.
If agreed by Parliament along with the wider Bill, the amendments
would give children and families the legal right to ask for FGDM
to be considered as part of agreeing care arrangements for a
child or young person where it is in their best interests. Local
councils would have a duty to tell families about the option of
FGDM during discussions over a child's care, or during a review
of existing kinship arrangements.
Meeting kinship carers at Children First's offices in Edinburgh,
the Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said:
“Helping children to stay in their families where safe to do so
is central to our aims to Keep the Promise, and I am hugely
grateful to kinship carers who make an incredible difference by
providing stable homes for children within their family network.
“The care, energy and commitment shown by Scotland's kinship
community is truly moving, and their input has been vital in
shaping our National Vision for Kinship Care.
“When used in the right way, family group decision-making brings
families together, helps children to be heard, and allows wider
family networks to take part in planning and decision-making.
This can help build stronger, more lasting plans, support earlier
and more effective action, and reduce the need for things to be
escalated.
“The stronger focus on family group decision-making in the final
Vision for Kinship Care reflects what carers and their
representative organisations have told us. The Children (Care,
Care Experience, and Service Planning) Bill, if approved by
Parliament, will further strengthen its place as one of a range
of early options when considering how a child should be cared
for.”
Chief Executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said:
“Children First have supported the development of the Vision and
worked closely with the incredible kinship carers we support to
make sure their experiences shaped it.
“We were pleased the Minister could join us to celebrate Kinship
Care Week and to connect with kinship carers. We warmly welcome
the Vision and the plans to strengthen provision of family group
decision making which are a crucial step towards ensuring all
children can grow up safe, loved and connected to their wider
family and community.”
One Kinship Carer, Iris*, said:
“I have been a kinship carer for my seven-year-old grandson since
he was four months old and I very much appreciate the Scottish
Government's attempt to make life better for kinship carers and
the children they care for.
“I am very happy my grandson lives with me and, with help from my
husband, my aunt, friends, family and neighbours, I am trying to
give him the best possible life. But it's not easy. Being a
kinship carer is hard, often lonely, and involves rethinking your
life, your career and your future. Kinship carers need, and
deserve, all the support that can possibly be provided.
Financially, practically and emotionally.”
Background
*Name has been changed to protect the anonymity of the family.
FGDM helps families and professionals plan together when
decisions are being made about how a child is cared for and
supported. This can give both children and families a greater
sense of control.
The Scottish Government's Vision for Kinship Care includes
the ‘Scottish Offer for Kinship Families', setting out the
baseline level of support that all kinship carers should receive.
A more easy-to-understand version
has also been produced.
The Children (Care, Care Experience,
and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill 2025 includes measures
to enhance care and support for children in the care system, or
who have left it. It forms a key part of the Scottish
Government's work to implement the recommendations of the
Independent Care Review, known as The Promise.
