Can grandparents become kinship foster carers?

Yes. Grandparents can become kinship foster carers when a local authority needs to place a child in its care with a relative who already knows them. Grandparents are assessed in the same way as other potential kinship carers, although the assessment will also consider their age, health, household circumstances and ability to provide care for the child throughout the placement.

Kinship fostering is different from an informal family arrangement. If the child is looked after by the local authority, the grandparent generally needs to be approved as a foster carer before, or as part of, the placement process. Approval may be arranged through the local authority or an independent fostering service working with it.

What will the assessment consider?

• Whether the grandparent can provide a safe, stable and suitable home.
• The child’s relationship with their grandparent and the child’s wishes, where appropriate.
• The grandparent’s physical and emotional health, including whether they can manage the practical demands of caring for the child.
• Any other children, adults or pets in the household and how the placement may affect them.
• The grandparent’s understanding of the child’s experiences, needs and behaviour.
• How contact with the child’s parents and other relatives will be managed.
• Whether the grandparent has a reliable support network and a realistic plan for emergencies, school arrangements and appointments.
• Any previous convictions, safeguarding concerns or relevant information from other agencies.

Being a grandparent does not automatically mean that approval will be granted, but it also does not prevent someone from fostering because of their age alone. The important issue is whether the proposed arrangement can meet the child’s needs safely and consistently. Health information is considered in context, and a medical assessment may be requested as part of the process.

What checks are required?

The assessment normally includes criminal record checks, identity and address checks, references, health information, household checks and discussions with people who know the grandparent well. The fostering service will also assess the home and consider practical safety arrangements, sleeping space and the child’s day-to-day care.

Other adults in the household may need to be spoken to or checked, depending on their role and contact with the child. Full and honest information is important. A previous conviction or past difficulty does not necessarily rule out approval, but withholding information can affect the assessment and safeguarding decisions.

Can a grandparent take the child immediately?

Sometimes a child needs to move to a grandparent urgently. In that situation, the local authority may consider temporary approval for a connected person under the relevant fostering regulations while a fuller assessment is completed. This is not an automatic route to permanent approval. The grandparent will still need to work with the social worker and fostering service, complete the required checks and take part in the full assessment.

Where the child is not looked after by the local authority, a grandparent may be caring for them under a private family arrangement rather than as a foster carer. Other legal options may then be relevant, such as a child arrangements order or a special guardianship order. These routes have different legal effects, responsibilities, financial arrangements and implications for parental involvement. A social worker or family law adviser can explain which option fits the circumstances.

What training and support do grandparents receive?

Kinship foster carers receive preparation training before approval or during the assessment process, depending on the circumstances. Training commonly covers safeguarding, attachment, trauma, managing behaviour, safer caring, working with professionals, recording information and supporting contact with parents.

After approval, grandparents should have access to a supervising social worker, a named social worker for the child and a care plan setting out how the placement will be managed. Support may include regular supervision, placement reviews, advice about education and health, support with contact arrangements and access to additional training or support groups. Grandparents should ask who to contact if a problem develops and how decisions will be made about the child’s care.

Do grandparents receive a fostering allowance?

Approved kinship foster carers usually receive a fostering allowance for the child placed with them. The amount and any additional payments depend on the responsible fostering service, the child’s needs and the terms of the placement. This allowance is intended to contribute towards the costs of caring for the child. It is separate from benefits or financial support that may apply under other legal arrangements, so grandparents should ask for a written explanation of the payments and any effect on their circumstances.

How should grandparents begin?

• Speak to the child’s social worker if the child is already involved with children’s services.
• Ask which fostering service is responsible for the assessment and whether the proposed placement is urgent.
• Discuss the child’s immediate needs, contact with parents, education, health and any safety concerns.
• Provide accurate information for the checks and attend preparation training.
• Consider the practical impact on the household, including bedrooms, childcare, transport, work, health appointments and support from other relatives.
• Ask for clear information about approval, allowances, supervision, reviews and what happens if the placement becomes difficult.

Grandparents who are considering this role should ask for advice before making informal promises about where the child will live. The right arrangement depends on whether the child is looked after, the urgency of the situation, the child’s relationship with each family member and the legal responsibilities that need to be put in place.