Kinship Caring

When a child cannot live with their parent or parents, they maybecome part of a Kinship Family, cared for by a Kinship Carer, a family memberor friend. Sometimes this can work out really well for everyone: the childrenare happy and thrive. But sometimes,sadly, the circumstances which trigger the move for some children may leave thechild vulnerable or even feeling traumatised, struggling to manage amidst somany changes, loss, muddled feelings, uncertainty and unfamiliarity. And above all, asking the question: "Where do I belong?"

The KinshipCarer, welcoming the child into their home, will also be making bigadjustments. They may be managingcontact with the child's parents, perhaps dealing with the stress of increasedexpenses, maybe finding less time for their own health and wellbeing. Aboveall, they'll be trying to enable the child to feel at home or settled intoschool. Some Kinship Carers feelisolated, not knowing where or how to get support.

In KinshipCaring, Educational Psychologist DrRachael King directly addresses Kinship Carers with warmth, sensitivity, insight and hope gained from many years ofworking with vulnerable children, young people, their Carers and parents. She offers a huge number of practical, accessibleand interesting strategies to try together at home and at school. This book also uniquely contains free accessto the Kinship Family App, which hasmasses more ideas and is updated whenever Government policy affecting KinshipCarers changes.

Inpartnership, Kinship Carers and educators can enable children in Kinship Careto feel a deep sense of safety, belonging and welcome, enabling them to thriveand grow in their new family and at school.