Funding Help For Kinship Carers

Kinship carers are to receive a weekly allowance for looking after the children of their relatives, the Scottish Government has announced.

{mosimage}It is estimated that more than 2,000 children in Scotland are cared for by relatives because the youngsters cannot be looked after by their own parents. The relatives will be eligible for a weekly allowance of up to £198.

The move is part of an overhaul of the system to support youngsters looked after by foster and kinship carers. The strategy was the first to be produced as a joint commitment by the Scottish Government and local government umbrella group Cosla.

It will introduce a minimum weekly allowance of between £119 and £198 for all carers – putting kinship carers on a par with foster carers. An information and advice service will be introduced for kinship carers.

The strategy will also seek to improve assessment and approval processes and provide better training and support for all carers.

Children’s Minister Adam Ingram said: “Removing any child from the care of their parents is an enormous step with huge responsibilities and that’s why the measures announced today are so important.

“This strategy is a significant way forward for bolstering the support given to carers and the children they look after.

“The delivery of this strategy relies on a fundamental relationship between this government and our colleagues in local government and I want it to be a model of good partnership to help improve the lives of those in our most vulnerable families.”

Cosla spokeswoman Isabel Hutton said: “We are keen to ensure that all children have a stable and happy life, and that as councils we fulfil our role as a corporate parent.

“The strategy demonstrates our shared vision and joint commitment to the principles of the approach, and for the necessary action to be taken.”

Conservative spokeswoman Liz Smith said the strategy was “very welcome”.

“On this issue I think all parties can agree and work together to ensure that all children have access to the happy, stable home life that they deserve,” she said.