Get help and advice
Becoming a kinship carer can be overwhelming and there’s a lot of information to take in. Whether you are new to kinship care, already caring for a child or supporting a family member or friend, we’re here to help.
Call the Kinship advice team
Ring us on 0300 123 7015. Our free phone line is open Monday to Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. It’s for kinship carers living in England and Wales.
When you call the advice line, we will ask you some questions about your enquiry, take some personal details and add the information to our database system. An adviser will respond to your enquiry by phone or email within 8-12 working days.
Other ways to get help and advice
Book a time slot with an adviser
Book an appointment
Request a callback from an adviser
Request a callback or email
See all our advice and information
See all advice
Use our online advice finder
Find tailored advice
Free workshops for kinship carers
Book a workshop
Join our monthly Facebook advice sessions
Follow us on FacebookWhat is kinship care?
Kinship care is when a child lives all or most of the time with a relative or friend who isn’t their parent, usually because their parents aren’t able to care for them. That relative or friend is called a kinship carer.
Many kinship carers are grandparents, but they are also siblings, aunts, uncles, family friends and others with a close connection to the child.
Advice to support your kinship journey
The Kinship advice team are specialists in supporting kinship carers across England and Wales. We can support you wherever you are in your kinship journey.
From thinking about becoming a kinship carer to supporting you as you care for your kinship child or children – we’re here for you.
Life can be overwhelming. We’ll give you advice and information to try and make your life as a kinship carer a bit easier. Kinship is non-judgemental. We’re friendly and we’ll help you navigate a sometimes complex and confusing system.
"Simply brillant, well explained advice, from a friendly team. Much needed support that every future or present kinship carer needs."
Worried about a child’s safety or welfare?
If you are worried about a child’s safety or welfare, you can read about where to and how to report your concerns.
