Kinship carers across UK struggling without support, warns charity

A lack of support for kinship carers is plunging thousands of children into poverty, according to a new report from the charity Kinship published by The Guardian.

Kinship carers, often grandparents or family friends who step in to care for children after a family crisis, are twice as likely to rely on food banks and four times more likely to fall behind on bills than other adults.

The report, based on a survey of 1,300 carers in England and Wales, highlights the financial and emotional strain these caregivers face, with one in eight considering giving up their roles. This could push as many as 18,000 children into an overstretched foster care system, already short by 12,500 foster carers across the UK.

While foster carers receive training, support, and annual allowances averaging £24,500 per child, kinship carers receive little to no financial assistance and are not entitled to time off work, the report said, adding that many were unaware that accepting guardianship would leave them with less support than foster carers.

The report calls for urgent reforms to address these disparities, with the charity urging the government to provide equal support for all carers. This includes financial aid, access to therapy for traumatized children, and practical assistance to prevent families from slipping into poverty.