Who can become a kinship carer?

Kinship carers can be relatives or other adults with an established connection to a child, provided they are able to offer safe, consistent and appropriate care. There is no single family structure, employment situation or housing arrangement that automatically qualifies or disqualifies someone. Eligibility is decided through an assessment of the proposed care arrangement, the child’s needs and the carer’s ability to provide long-term stability.

A kinship carer may be a grandparent, older sibling, aunt, uncle, step-relative or another adult who already knows the child well. In some circumstances, a family friend or another connected person may be considered. The important factor is the existing relationship and whether moving into the person’s care is in the child’s best interests.

People are not normally excluded because they:

• are single, married, in a civil partnership or in another relationship;
• rent their home rather than own it;
• work, study or receive benefits;
• have other children or adults living in the household;
• come from a particular cultural, religious or ethnic background; or
• have a disability or health condition, where suitable care can still be provided.

These circumstances will be explored honestly as part of the assessment. The question is not whether a household is perfect, but whether it can manage the practical and emotional demands of caring for this particular child. This can include school arrangements, contact with parents and relatives, appointments, routines, behaviour, emotional distress and the possibility that the placement may continue for a significant period.

The assessment usually looks at the wider household as well as the person applying. Adults who live in the home may need to take part in discussions and complete relevant checks. The process can include identity and background checks, references, health information, home visits and conversations about family relationships, parenting experience, support networks and finances. Any criminal record or previous involvement with children’s services should be disclosed; it will be considered in context rather than treated as an automatic refusal in every case.

Housing does not necessarily need to be owned by the proposed carer, but it must be suitable for the child. The assessment may consider space, privacy, safety, sleeping arrangements, access to education and healthcare, and whether the tenancy or living arrangement permits the child to stay. If changes are needed, these may be discussed before a final decision is made.

It is also possible to ask about kinship care if you have limited previous childcare experience. Familiarity with the child, willingness to learn and the ability to work with professionals can be more relevant than having cared for children before. Training and practical guidance can help carers understand safeguarding, trauma, behaviour, contact arrangements and the child’s developmental needs.

The route used will depend on the child’s circumstances. Some children are cared for through an informal family arrangement, while others are placed with an approved kinship foster carer or under a court-approved legal arrangement. These routes have different assessments, responsibilities, decision-makers and financial arrangements. A local authority or fostering service can explain which route applies and whether approval as a foster carer is required.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, an initial discussion can help clarify your connection to the child and the likely next steps. You do not need to have every detail resolved before asking for information. Be ready to explain your relationship with the child, where the child would live, who else is in your household and any concerns that could affect the proposed arrangement.

Prospective kinship carers in Birmingham, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Dudley, Sandwell, Herefordshire, Telford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Stoke, Solihull, Coventry and Gloucestershire can seek guidance from the relevant local or regional team. Become A Foster Family has offices in Droitwich and Stoke, with staff located across the West Midlands to provide local support during the assessment and preparation process.