Many individuals in England and Wales are stepping up as kinship carers, taking in young family members to prevent them from entering the care system. While this decision often brings joy, it also presents significant challenges, including financial strain and a lack of formal support compared to traditional foster care arrangements.
A recent survey indicates that a substantial number of kinship carers are pressured to make quick decisions, often with little information about available resources. Despite their crucial role in supporting children, kinship care remains largely informal and underrecognized by policymakers.