Newcastle City Council has announced a new package of support for kinship carers, including two weeks' paid leave for council employees who take on the care of a child through a kinship arrangement.
The new policy, announced during Kinship Care Week, recognises the vital role kinship carers play in providing stable, loving homes for children who are unable to live with their parents.
Under the scheme, council employees who become kinship carers will be entitled to two weeks' paid leave from the date a child comes into their care, helping families manage what can be a significant and life-changing transition.
Part of national Kinship Zone Pilot
The announcement builds on Newcastle's selection earlier this year as one of only seven local authorities across England chosen to take part in the Kinship Zone Pilot Programme.
The pilot, backed by the Department for Education, will support up to 5,000 families across the seven Kinship Zones. As part of the programme, Newcastle has secured funding to provide increased financial support through a Kinship Allowance, helping eligible carers meet the costs of raising children and enabling more children to remain safely within their wider family networks.
Council leader praises carers
Cllr Christine Morrissey, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families at Newcastle City Council, said: "Newcastle was extremely proud to be chosen as one of seven national Kinship Zones earlier this year, placing the city at the forefront of efforts to improve support for kinship families. This was due to the efforts of many people, not least kinship carers themselves.
"Kinship carers provide children with a stable family life, providing love and security at some of the most difficult times in their lives. It is only right that we recognise the invaluable contribution they make and ensure they have the support they need."
Through the pilot, eligible kinship carers in Newcastle will receive financial support comparable with foster care allowances, helping to ease financial pressures on families who step forward to care for children when they need it most. Many kinship carers are on low incomes or are retired and rely on the state pension.
Government investment and next steps
Backed by £126 million of government investment, the pilot forms part of a wider national programme to test new ways of supporting kinship families and generate evidence that could help shape future policy.
Kinship care is when a child is raised by a relative or family friend who is not their parent. These arrangements may be temporary or long term and can be formal or informal. Kinship carers may be known by a range of terms, including family and friends carers, connected persons carers, kinship foster carers, and special guardians.
