Learn about Kinship’s research, informed by the experiences of kinship carers, and see how we use this evidence to call for change in law, policy, and practice.
For professionals:
National survey of children in kinship care
Kinship is developing what we believe will be the first national survey of children and young people in kinship care across England, Wales and Scotland, with support from BBC Children in Need. The survey will be co-produced with children and young people in kinship care in London and will help build a better understanding of their experiences, needs and perspectives.
Are you a kinship carer?
Please visit Support and advice for kinship carers
On this page
Click on the link below to take you to the section you'd like to read:
Study Status: ongoing
Background
Children and young people are at the heart of kinship care, but their voices are often missing from research and evidence about the support kinship families need to thrive.
Kinship has worked alongside kinship families to understand their experiences, improve support and influence system change. Previous projects, including our Growing up in Kinship Care research and Young Champions programme, have highlighted the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for children and young people to share their views and influence change.
Research aims and objectives
This research aims to build a national picture of the experiences, needs and perspectives of children and young people in kinship care, and to generate evidence that can inform policy, practice and support for kinship families.
The objectives are to:
- Build evidence about the experiences and outcomes of children and young people in kinship care across England, Wales and Scotland
- Understand children and young people’s experiences of family life, relationships, education and emotional wellbeing
- Work alongside children and young people to shape the research and identify issues that matter most to them
- Create opportunities for children and young people to share their experiences and influence change
- Use the findings to inform policy, practice, research and public understanding of kinship care.
What does the study involve?
The survey will be co-produced with children and young people in kinship care.
The survey will be carried out annually over three years, with the first set of results in 2027.
Who can I talk to about the project?
If you are interested in learning more about the survey please contact:
See other related content
Join our Researchers’ Network to stay up to date with latest research and find out about our quarterly meetings.
Information, advice and support for professionals working with kinship carers.