Children in kinship care have been overlooked. Our report explores insights from our 2023 survey to understand how we can improve support for kinship children in England and Wales across education, SEND/ALN, mental health and family relationships.
Policy and influencing
Kinship works collaboratively with kinship families, researchers, professionals, decision makers and other partners to influence national and local policy making across England and Wales. Our unique reach allows us to listen to the views and expertise of thousands of kinship carers each year, and we campaign alongside them to deliver the changes they want to see most for their families.
Read our latest reports
Our surveys of kinship carers are the largest of their kind, and alongside the insights from our advice and support work, enable us to make a compelling argument for policy and practice change. View our most recent reports below or take a look at all of our research and reports.
Out of Order shares new analysis of data on children in and leaving kinship foster care and insights from our 2023 annual survey to argue for increased financial support for kinship families outside of the care system.
Breaking Point explores the views and experiences of nearly 1,700 kinship carers across England and Wales who responded to our 2023 annual survey and finds that many kinship families are close to breaking point.
Our policy resources
Kinship care policy tracker
Keep up to date with what’s happening now, our verdict, and what we think should happen next across kinship care policy in England.
Visit the tracker
Kinship care constituency map
Learn more about the number of kinship children and the prevalence of kinship care in your local area, and the key challenges facing kinship carers in your region.
View the map
Information pack for MPs
Find out how you can support kinship families in Parliament and your constituency, and learn more about the #ValueOurLove campaign and what we want to see from the UK Government.
View the pack
#ValueOurLove manifesto
See our three step plan outlining how the new UK Government should maintain the momentum, deliver urgent support, and build a new kinship care system.
Read our manifestoBriefings, responses and submissions
We regularly share timely briefings ahead of parliamentary debates and other key events, and work alongside kinship carers to respond effectively to consultations which share our evidence and insight.
Understand more about kinship care
Meet Joy, a kinship carer, and learn more about her experience of being a kinship carer.
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More than 141,000 children are in kinship care in England and Wales
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12% of kinship carers said they were concerned about their ability to continue caring for their kinship child or children in the next year
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Only 54% of children in kinship care are getting the support they need in education
Campaign for change
We campaign to make the lives of kinship families better, but we can’t do it without you. Join us as we campaign together for all kinship carers and the children they love.
Stay up to date
Join one of our networks to stay up to date with our policy work in England and Wales.
Professionals' Network
Our professionals' network is for social workers, academics and other professionals with an interest in kinship care.
Join our Professionals NetworkResearchers’ Network
Join our Researchers’ Network to stay updated with the latest research into kinship care and meet others working in this area.
Join our Researchers’ Network