Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Support for Kinship Carers

14 September 2023 · 6 other contributors · 12,285 words

Opened by Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

Responding minister: David Johnston

Children & Families

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Munira Wilson raised concerns about support for kinship carers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • MP is concerned about the progress in supporting kinship carers, noting the need for more substantial actions beyond the MacAlister review's recommendations.
  • MP calls on the Government to implement a national non-means-tested allowance for kinship carers, equivalent to foster carers' support, and extend paid employment leave similar to adoptive parents.
  • Minister acknowledges the significant role of kinship carers in children's social care and cites data showing 110,000 children in kinship care with better outcomes than those in foster or residential care.

Key requests to Government

The MP asks the Government to implement a national, non-means-tested allowance for all kinship carers at the same level as foster carers, extend paid employment leave on par with adoptive parents, provide greater educational support such as pupil premium plus and virtual school heads, and define kinship care in statute to clarify who is entitled to support.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

The MP is concerned about the progress made on supporting kinship carers, noting that while there has been some acknowledgment of their importance, much more needs to be done. The MacAlister review recognised the lack of national policy attention and support for extended family members in caring roles but proposed limited actions such as exploring financial support and piloting new decision-making processes. Despite efforts by organisations like Kinship and media coverage highlighting kinship carers' struggles, many face severe financial hardship and may not be able to continue caring due to lack of resources.

Other contributors (6)
  • Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton

    Mr Gwynne shared his personal experience as a kinship carer for his grandson Lyle, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges faced by kinship carers. He noted that 38% of kinship carers have received no legal advice about their rights and options, with only 16% receiving full or partial payment through legal aid. Mr Gwynne emphasized the importance of embracing kinship care to improve outcomes for children in care. It is not as simple as the Minister suggests, as many local authorities make it difficult for people to access services through that fund unless they have gone through other statutory services first.

  • Caroline Ansell Con Eastbourne

    Praised the Government's kinship care strategy and East Sussex County Council for their work in supporting kinship carers. Highlighted the importance of family support for children's development, educational outcomes, and life chances. Noted 162,000 children are cared for by their kin across England and Wales. Emphasised financial challenges faced by kinship carers and lack of a minimum financial allowance, leading many to rely on credit cards or loans. Stressed the need for recognition in healthcare and public services, including schools. In her intervention, Caroline Ansell highlighted the positive aspects of kinship care, focusing on the love and motivation that kinship carers have towards protecting and looking after children. I am concerned about support for vulnerable families, particularly to help them stay together. I have experience with Sure Start centres and the family hub model introduced by the Government which extends support from early years to 18.

  • George Howarth Lab Knowsley

    He congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate and putting forward a strong case, arguing that if the issues faced by kinship carers were to materialise for one third of them, it would be disastrous not only for those families but also for the care system and taxpayers, who would have to fund more expensive solutions.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    Welcomed the Minister to his place and noted that kinship carers are a crucial part of children's social care. Highlighted issues such as financial hardship faced by 75% of kinship carers, difficulties in accessing professional support, and challenges due to housing shortages. Raised concerns about cuts to early intervention services since 2010, including the closure of more than 1,300 Sure Start centres.

  • Richard Thomson SNP Dunfermline and West Fife

    Congratulated the hon. Member for Twickenham on securing the debate, expressed gratitude to kinship carers for stepping up when needed, highlighted the Scottish Government's strategies to support kinship care and their £500 million investment in preventive spend through the whole family wellbeing fund.

  • Robin Walker Con Worcester

    He apologises for missing part of the speech but acknowledges the hon. Lady's effective campaigning on this issue. He raises concerns about means testing in kinship care support, pointing out that many carers are retired grandparents with savings meant for their own use, thus stressing the need for a system that recognises these unique challenges. Paid tribute to Kinship Carers UK, led by Enza Smith, and highlighted concerns about the status of kinship carers and their ability to make decisions regarding NHS care for children they are looking after. Raised issues with accessing public services due to the distinction between parents and kinship carers.

Government Response

David Johnston

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Vickers. The Minister congratulates Munira Wilson on securing the debate and acknowledges the significant role kinship carers play in children's social care. He shares her commitment to improving the lives of kinship carers, citing data that shows 110,000 children are currently in kinship care, with better outcomes than those in foster or residential care. The Minister outlines steps taken by the Government, including a £45 million Families First for Children pathfinder and family network pilot to unlock barriers to kinship arrangements. He also mentions exploring financial allowances for special guardians and carers looking after children under a child arrangement order. Additionally, he discusses legal support extensions and school admissions improvements. The Minister acknowledges the need for consistent data collection and commits to publishing a kinship strategy by the end of the year aimed at reducing barriers to kinship care where it is in the best interests of the child.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy