Grandparents Plus has published a report on the state of kinship care in England and Wales in 2017. There are an estimated 180,000 children in the care of relatives in the UK. The report, based on a survey of over 650 kinship carers, found that:
- 52% of the children in kinship care have experienced abuse or neglect
- The average household income for kinship families is just £17,316 compared to the national average of £27,200
- 47% of carers say they are not getting the financial support they need, including 28% who feel very poorly supported
- 65% of carers say they need more emotional support
Recommendations include reviewing the status of children in kinship care to be closer to that of looked after children, improving advice and support for kinship carers as well as greater financial support.
Further details and a link to download the report are on the Grandparents Plus website.