Minister praises contribution of kinship carers as support proposals published

Proposals have been published to provide consistent and fair support for families caring for children unable to live with their parents, as a minister said kinship carers make an “extraordinary contribution to our society”.

Views on the draft report Vision for Kinship Care will be sought from organisations and individuals in a public consultation launched on Monday.

Kinship care, where a child lives with a relative, close family friend or other trusted person rather than their parents, is now the most common placement away from home for looked-after children in Scotland.

Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise Natalie Don-Innes said: “Kinship carers make an extraordinary contribution to our society, often stepping in at a moment’s notice to provide care and stability for children within their family network.

“Their contribution is vital to wider efforts to keep the promise, and they deserve our recognition and support.

“Kinship families face numerous complex challenges, including financial pressures, and it is crucial that they are able to access the right help when they need it.

“Through our draft vision for kinship care, we want to work with kinship families and partners to shape a system of support that is fair, consistent and grounded in children’s rights, aligned with our commitment to keep the promise and tackle child poverty.”

The draft vision sets out a consistent baseline of support for all families across Scotland and focuses on improving accessibility and transparency around financial support.

It will also focus on strengthening advice and advocacy services, and ensuring children in kinship care can access independent advocacy support.

The draft was shaped by kinship carers, children and young people as part of the Scottish Government’s work on “the promise” which commits to ensure that all care-experienced young people grow up loved, safe and respected, by 2030.

Ms Don-Inness continued: “This vision builds on the Scottish Government’s previous work to update kinship care guidance and roll out the Scottish recommended allowance, further strengthening the rights of kinship families.

“I encourage everyone with an interest in kinship care to share their views and help us shape a final vision that delivers real improvements for children and families.”

The consultation on the draft vision will be open until the end of February 2026.

Joanne McMeeking, head  of improving care experiences, CELCIS (Centre for Excellence for Children’s Care and Protection), said that the proposals acknowledge the “challenges” for kinship carers and their families.

She said: “Kinship care is at the heart of families and communities, enabling children to stay connected and feel loved.

“The Scottish Government’s ambition with this proposed vision for kinship care in Scotland acknowledges the unique challenges for kinship carers and their families and is both timely and essential.

“By focusing on widening access to support, with sufficient resources and a realistic deliverable plan, the proposed vision has the potential to improve the experience of kinship families.

“This would resonate with Scotland’s commitments to both the promise of the independent care review and upholding children’s rights.

“We look forward to working with others on the development of the vision.”