Advice and information

If a child or young person you care for is exploring their sexuality or gender identity, here’s how you can feel informed and comfortable to talk to them about it.

Organisations that provide specialist support and advice relevant to kinship care.

If you are a kinship carer going to court, know how to prepare and what to expect.

If you are unhappy about the way children’s services are working with you, you can make a complaint. This page explains the different steps in making a complaint.

This page explores how to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma, as well as practical tips for supporting children in kinship care.

Tools and techniques to help the child you care for to learn how to self-soothe and regulate their emotions in a healthy way.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. But having too much anxiety can cause issues. Here are some practical tips to spot, manage and get support with anxiety.

Anger is a normal, healthy emotion that everyone has. But sometimes anger can seem unkind, aggressive and even frightening. Here are some practical tips to spot, manage and get support with anger issues.

Stepping up to raise a child can incur additional costs, such as paying for a school uniform or school meals. Here’s how to get financial help with school costs.

Find out what help is available to help you cope with rising energy bills.

Find out how you become a kinship carer, and what to expect from the process.

It’s important to have a plan in place for a health emergency, such as if you become ill, or die. These practical steps will help you to plan for what will happen to the children you care for.

Schools have a responsibility towards children and young people in kinship care. Find out how the school should be supporting your child.

If you are a kinship carer to a 16- or 17-year-old, find out how they might be able to claim Universal Credit.

What to do if you are worried about a child's safety or welfare

Information about parental responsibility and how it can be obtained.

Drugs and alcohol can have a devastating effect on families and is a common cause of children being raised in kinship care. Find out about sources of help.

Benefit support called Bereavement Support Payment, which kinship carers could claim if a partner has died.

Information and links to specialist support on how to manage debt and get financial help as a kinship carer.

Information about the adoption and special guardianship support fund for kinship carers, including how to apply and who is eligible.

Information and advice on the types of financial support available to kinship carers with a special guardianship order.