Kirklees Together

We’re celebrating Kinship Care Week, recognising the incredible efforts of carers who play a vital role in raising local children.

The week-long celebration, taking place across England and Wales from 7-13 October, aims to raise awareness of kinship care and highlight the local support available.

Councillor Viv Kendrick, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said:

“I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all kinship carers across Kirklees for being the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of local children.

“Kinship Care Week is an ideal opportunity to acknowledge these carers who selflessly step up to provide a loving and stable home for children when their birth parents are unable to do so. Their dedication and sacrifices ensure these children and young people have the support, love and care they need to lead more settled and happier lives, and go on to thrive.

“Becoming a kinship carer isn’t usually in someone’s life-plan. In fact, some people will take on another person’s child without even realising they are providing kinship care. But whether you’ve taken the role on knowing what you were getting into, or whether you’re looking after someone else’s child because ‘that’s just what families do’, there is help for you, so please reach out to get it.

“The council has a range of support and advice for carers and also for children living in kinship arrangements. We have some great local support groups too. I urge anyone who thinks they may be a kinship carer to get in touch with the Connected Persons Support Team for information.”

About kinship care

Kinship care is essential for children and young people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their parents. These children often find a loving home with close family members such as adult siblings, aunts, uncles or grandparents. In some cases, godparents or close friends step in as kinship carers.

According to leading charity, ‘Kinship’, approximately 141,000 children in England and Wales are living in kinship care arrangements. Many carers may not even realise they are providing kinship care, or that support is available to help them manage

Local support

Our Connected Persons Support Team is dedicated to helping local children and families in kinship arrangements. The team offers a range of services including help and advice with finance, training, therapeutic support and family time with birth parents, siblings and extended family. There are also local support groups for children of various ages, as well as for carers.

Email the team at CPST.Support@kirklees.gov.uk for more information.