Written Question · S4W-17410 · Session 4
What its position is on the benefits of kinship care.
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the benefits of kinship care.
The answer
Since the publication of our strategy Getting it Right for Every Child in Kinship and Foster Care in December 2007, the Scottish Government has fully recognised the value and benefits of keeping children within the family unit, minimising disruption in the children’s lives and reinforcing the child’s sense of identity and self-esteem. In recognising the benefits of kinship care we have worked hard to ensure kinship carers are fully supported. To date we have:
Legislated in 2009 to recognise kinship care for the first time.
Provided significant funding to local authorities to support kinship carers;
Funded Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland, Mentor UK and the Child Poverty Action Group to provide support to kinship families.
To further improve on support to kinship families we are conducting a review of financial allowances to kinship carers with a view to tailoring support and tackling inconsistencies across Scotland. We are also, through the Children and Young People Bill, providing additional support to many more kinship carers and families who are in the early stages of distress.
Legislated in 2009 to recognise kinship care for the first time.
Provided significant funding to local authorities to support kinship carers;
Funded Children 1st, Citizens Advice Scotland, Mentor UK and the Child Poverty Action Group to provide support to kinship families.
To further improve on support to kinship families we are conducting a review of financial allowances to kinship carers with a view to tailoring support and tackling inconsistencies across Scotland. We are also, through the Children and Young People Bill, providing additional support to many more kinship carers and families who are in the early stages of distress.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-17410 by reference.