Kinship care
Since April 2006 the council has offered Kinship Care to support relative carers who are providing care for a Looked After Child living with them as part of their household. In addition, all carers who have a Residence Order or Special Guardianship Order in respect of children placed with them can also receive support.
The service is aimed at grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, close family friends or even neighbours who have offered to care for a child from their family or kinship network and the child is or has been a Looked After Child with Barnet Council.
A duty social worker will take your call:
- Monday to Thursday from 9am – 5.15pm and,
- Friday from 9am – 5pm
Out of hours support to carers is also available:
- Monday to Friday from 6pm – 11pm and,
- Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from 9pm – 11pm
What kind of support will I get?
We offer advice, guidance training and support to kinship carers. We are particularly keen to hear from carers to ensure what we offer is what carers want and need.
Does the child we are caring for have to remain looked after in order for us to get some support?
No, we are keen to ensure that carers feel able to access the help and support they need to apply for court orders that enable family members to care for children without the statutory involvement of the council if that is both appropriate and desirable.
Will we need to be visited and inspected by social workers?
Yes, we need to carry out an assessment of you and your family to make sure it is a suitable and safe place for the child.
Can you offer advice on legal orders?
Yes, we have a team of experienced social workers and legal advisors who together can answer questions about appropriate legal orders. We will also provide details of local Children’s Panel solicitors who can provide advice, support and advocacy.
Children, young people and families
