Did you know North East Lincolnshire is one of only seven Kinship Zones in the country? As a kinship carer, you could join the pilot today.

If you are a kinship carer in North East Lincolnshire, you may be eligible for financial and practical support.

Earlier this year, the government chose seven local authorities to be a pilot ‘Kinship Zone’. The pilot delivers an allowance for kinship carers with a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) or a ‘lives with’ Child Arrangement Order (CAO).

Kinship Carers are adults that care for children and young people over a period of time, if the children’s parents are unable to do so themselves. These carers are usually relatives or friends of the children or their family.

Since its launch, North East Lincolnshire council have approved an amazing 312 applications for the financial allowances.

This benefitted more than 400 children in our area. Before the pilot scheme, at least 59 of these kinship carers weren’t receiving any financial support.

Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services in North East Lincolnshire, has said:

“The number of children and families we have been able to support through the kinship zone pilot has been incredible. We have seen a huge increase in support across the borough.

“One of our main goals is to make sure the children that live in our area, get to stay in our area and the financial support from the pilot is helping to make this goal a reality.”

Aiming to keep children within their families and existing support network, this financial funding keeps children connected to who they already know. This helps to give them a stronger sense of identity, and it can support development in their early years.

This has been beneficial in easing any pressure that can come with taking care of a child. The pilot also provides practical support, helping carers to feel better equipped when meeting the needs of the children in their care.

With the help of the FNSP’s (Family Support Network Packages), the Kinship pilot zone has received brilliant feedback. Carer Kerry, within the community, has said:

“The pilot has helped our family massively and the support we have received from the team at the council is just incredible.”

Please take a look on our website for more information: Kinship care | NELC