Kinship

Who we are

Kinship is the leading charity in England and Wales for kinship carers – relatives and friends who raise children when their parents aren’t able to. We offer kinship carers expert advice as well as financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. We’re always there to help with the complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make, as well as to celebrate the good times.

Working alongside kinship carers and the children they raise, with their voice and views at the fore, we build communities of support and give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, as well as to raise awareness of kinship care and secure better support for all those playing this critical role.

Our culture and values

Kinship care begins in crisis. A child whose parents are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It’s frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There’s no chance to prepare. Plans are pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are sacrificed.

It’s life changing and challenging raising children who’ve been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

Kinship families raising over 200,000 children are on the brink of going under because there’s no recognition or support. They feel invisible. They are desperate, but they are fighting.  

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers. But we’ve seen the amazing things they’re capable of with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families flourish. 

That’s why we support, connect and campaign. To keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.