A Government-funded pilot programme to support children, families and kinship carers was formally launched in North East Lincolnshire at an event held at Centre 4 in Grimsby last week.
The Kinship Zones event brought together professionals from across Police, Education, Health and social care backgrounds to discuss the forthcoming children’s reforms and the new Kinship Zone pilot programme.
A kinship carer is someone who cares for a child of a family member or friend.
Speaking at the event last Wednesday, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, Ann-Marie Matson, said the event was a “significant milestone.”
“It’s fantastic to be recognised as one of seven local authorities to be involved in this pilot scheme.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to create a better offer for kinship carers locally, and to influence national policy.
“Today’s event brings together professionals from across the spectrum of family support to consider how we can work together to reduce the need for children to enter the care system, by strengthening support for families and kinship carers.
“I’m incredible proud to be part of this work.”
Giving opening remarks at the event, Senior Civil Servant, Dan Foster talked to attendees about the importance of Kinship.
“The importance of kinship cannot be understated. Nationally there are about 100,000 children who enter the care system every year.
“We chose North East Lincolnshire as one of the areas to launch this pilot because of the passion, and because the community is incredibly close here.
“We believe that, by offering this extra support to kinship carers and families, the number of children coming into care will reduce as more children are able to remain within their family networks.
“We’re really excited to see how this pilot goes and what the learning will be at the end.”
If you’re looking after someone else’s child, you could be entitled to a new package of financial support.
Under the Government’s Kinship Zones Pilot, kinship carers are being offered additional support including a weekly financial allowance to help with the costs of raising someone else’s child.
The allowance doesn’t affect any current benefits you may be receiving and it does not take into account your income or expenditure.
Kinship carers already in receipt of a weekly allowance must still apply.
To find out more, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/kinship or email [email protected].
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