We understand that all local authorities are experiencing budget cuts, but the number of kinship carers is increasing. Kinship carers are keeping more and more children out of the costly care system, but without proper support they will not be able to continue to do this.
Commissioning our programmes will save your local authority money.
You can offer the best possible support to the increasing number of kinship care families in your local authority at a lower cost than the more costly care, foster or adoption – and have better outcomes for the young people.
The Economic Case for Kinship Care – £40,000 saving per child per year
A report by Nicol Economics for Grandparents Plus explains that increased support and investment in kinship care now will lead to better outcomes for children, the wider society, and the economy in the future. Our externally commissioned research (Kinship Care: The Opportunity) suggests that by investing in support for kinship carers it is possible to reduce the numbers of children growing up in local authority care. The report shows that in addition to the financial benefits of this – £40,000 saving per child per year, there would be other long-term benefits in terms of reduced homelessness, levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, and better health.
Kinship Connected Evaluation 2020 – 20% return on investment
In August 2020 Kinship Connected was externally evaluated by Starks Consulting Ltd and Ecorys and found that every £1 a local authority invested in the programme £1:20 benefits were generated which equated to a 20% return on investment. The evaluation found that Kinship Connected had a very positive impact on kinship families, helping to reduce isolation and concerns regarding children, an increased sense of connectedness with others, and greater resilience and pride in the caring role. The evaluation concluded that the support offered by project workers through the Kinship Connected programme and associated peer support groups was seen as being ‘vital’ by kinship carers who had previously felt neglected and isolated.
It couldn’t be easier for your staff
Our expert, project workers are based in the local authority and work collaboratively with your children’s services team. All your staff have to do is refer kinship carers using an online form and a local project worker will contact them.
In addition to our commissioned services, all your kinship carers have access to our free advice service and can join our free national kinship carer community – to stay connected with us and each other.
Our Director of Programmes will be happy to discuss the options and help to develop a package that best meets the needs of your local authority and kinship care community.
For more information about commissioning our programmes for your own local authority, please get in touch with kate.obrien@kinship.org.uk
