Kinship has over 20 years of experience delivering services, campaigning, and leading research to ensure kinship carers and the children they raise receive the support and recognition they deserve. Kinship care—where a child is raised by a family member or friend—keeps children out of the care system and improves long-term outcomes. Across England and Wales, around 141,000 children are living in kinship care (Census 2021).
Kinship carers face significant financial challenges, from lack of allowances to limited workplace support. Many experience poverty, and 13% fear they may have to stop caring within a year due to financial strain.
Through the Foundation’s support, the Kinship Finance Initiative will create a specialist team to provide one-to-one advice, workshops, and online resources, helping carers access immediate financial support and plan for the future. Over three years, it aims to improve financial wellbeing of carers and reduce the risk of family breakdown.