New funding from BBC Children in Need to support kinship children

We’re delighted to share that BBC Children in Need is continuing to support Kinship’s work with children and young people growing up in kinship care.

With new funding over the next three years, we’ll expand opportunities for children and young people in kinship care across London to connect with others who share similar experiences, build confidence and skills, and have a stronger voice about what support children in kinship care need.

Last year, as part of our Young Champion’s film project funded by BBC Children in Need, young people were able to came together to share their experiences to influence action and create a short animation.

Building on the success of our Children in Need funded Young Champions programme and wider participation work, this funding will enable children and young people in kinship care to help shape and lead engagement activities, share what matters most to them, and influence the professionals and decision-makers who work with kinship families.

The funding will also support Kinship to co-produce what we believe will be the first national survey of children and young people in kinship care across England, Wales and Scotland. By listening directly to children and young people, we aim to build a national picture of their needs, experiences and perspectives, generating the evidence needed to improve policy, practice and support.

At Kinship, we’re committed to ensuring children and young people in kinship care are not only heard but are active partners in shaping the conversations and decisions that affect them. Through our community of more than 16,000 kinship carers and our lived experience networks, we’re uniquely placed to bring together the insights and experiences of kinship families.

Anam Raja, Kinship’s Research Manager, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be launching this new programme with the support of BBC Children in Need. Over the past year, we have been spending time with children and young people in kinship care through our research and practice work with local authorities and kinship families, listening to their experiences and learning about what matters most to them.  

“What we have heard so far has reinforced how important it is that they have meaningful opportunities to share their views and influence the decisions that affect their lives.  

“We are looking forward to continuing this journey alongside children and young people, ensuring they are connected, heard and supported in influencing the future of kinship care policy, research and practice.”

A huge thank you to BBC Children in Need for their longstanding commitment to kinship families and for sharing our ambition that every child growing up in kinship care is seen, heard and supported to thrive.