Understanding formal kinship care arrangements
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Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is open to all kinship carers living in England. A kinship carer is someone who has stepped in to raise a child or children when their parents can’t for whatever reason.
This workshop may be helpful if you have started, or are looking after a family member or friend’s child/ren and have questions about what this involves.
Kinship care can be arranged in a number of ways. Some are informal and others involve legal orders, so the circumstances of kinship carers can vary quite a lot. It is important to understand what different arrangements might mean so that you can make informed choices and understand what support is available.
What will be covered?
In this workshop:
- we’ll tell you about Kinship, who we are and what we offer to support kinship carers
- you’ll meet and share experiences with other kinship carers
- we’ll talk about what kinship care is and the different types of formal kinship care arrangements. You’ll be able to consider how this applies to your own situation and if this is the most appropriate arrangement for you
- we’ll consider what parental responsibility means, and the implications of different arrangements on decision-making as a kinship carer
- we’ll discuss some common challenges and hear from each other so you can start to think about how this applies in your own situation
- we’ll explain more about different support networks, resources and workshops that could be helpful to you
Our friendly facilitators will bring their wealth of knowledge and experience, including lived experience of kinship care, to delivering information about kinship care in an engaging and interactive way.
At the end of the main workshop session, our facilitators will remain available to chat for 30 minutes about any follow-up queries or to continue the discussion.
After the workshop, you will receive a link to useful resources via email along with an evaluation survey.
How to join the workshop
All workshops will be held online using a free platform called Zoom. Please note that numbers are limited for each session to around 12-15 people to allow you to meet other kinship carers.
You can access Zoom through a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even your phone. You may need to download Zoom before you join – please factor in time to do that. The best experience will be through a computer or laptop. Watch a video on how to join a Zoom meeting.
To join the workshop, click on the Zoom link in the email we sent you.
Please make sure you:
- join on time – late joiners might not be admitted after 15 minutes
- have a pen / pencil and paper to make notes
About Julie:
Julie is an experienced online training facilitator who has worked with families and children for many years, the last five years here at Kinship. She uses her experience and knowledge to support kinship families with valuable training, always looking for ways to improve what is available. Outside of work, Julie stays busy. She loves music and has been a huge fan of para-athletics since the London 2012 Olympics, often attending events. When relaxing, she enjoys reading novels or walking on her favourite beach in Norfolk.
About Bennet:
Bennet grew up as a kinship child. They know how challenging kinship care can be, and what a difference it can make in a child’s life. Over the past 20 years, Bennet has worked as an educator with families in South Africa, America, and England, and has developed a passion for mutual aid and community building. Even difficult challenges feel easier when you can talk to people who understand what you’re going through. Bennet also volunteers with several LGBTQIA+ organisations and spends the rest of their free time either reading, or with dogs. Or, if they’re lucky, reading with dogs!
About Amanda:
Before Amanda joined Kinship, she worked as a Family Practitioner for a local authority. With 18 years of experience helping and supporting kinship carers, she has gained a lot of knowledge and understanding of kinship care. Amanda is married with two grown up children and has a busy social life. She loves music and often goes to concerts and musical theatre shows. In her free time, she likes to read, watch films, and walk her two dogs.
"I would recommend the workshop for anyone (new) to kinship care. It's a long lonely journey and having access to expert advice is very reassuring."
What happens if you need to cancel your place?
We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, so if you need to cancel your place please do try and let us know as soon as possible.
You’ll be able to do this through:
- the email confirmation you received when you first booked
- or by emailing us on: workshops@kinship.org.uk