Kinship Local Offer

The main principle of the kinship local offer is that children should be enabled to live with their families unless it is not consistent with their safety and welfare. 

Those who cannot live with their parents should, where appropriate, remain with members of their extended family or friends, as this will provide a better alternative and avoid them growing up within the public care system.  

What is permanence

Permanence forms the framework of emotional, physical and legal conditions. It aims to give a child a sense of security, continuity, commitment and identity. 

How is permanence achieved

For most looked-after children, permanence is achieved through a successful return to their birth family, where it has been possible to address the factors which led to the child becoming looked after. 

Where this is not possible, family and friends care will often provide an important alternative route to permanence for the child, particularly where this can be supported by a child arrangements order or a special guardianship order or through adoption. 

Support should be based on the needs of the child rather than merely their legal status.

Kinship carers (whether or not they are approved foster carers) should be provided with support to ensure that children do not become or remain longer than is needed, voluntarily accommodated by the local authority under section 20 Children Act 1989. This will include assistance with getting benefits that the child or carers are entitled to. 

Children, parents and family members should be active participants. Their wishes and feelings should be considered in all relevant processes when decisions are being made to solve problems concerning their care.