Kinship Local Offer
Our Kinship Local Offer sets out how we will help kinship carers, to give children and young people the best possible family experience whatever the child’s legal status, needs and circumstances.
Kinship Local Offer: Support groups and training
Supporting family time (contact)
The team will signpost carers to local contact centres and family mediation services. They can also provide a referral for a family group conference (see #5 below)
- eligibility: All kinship carers
- access is through the Special Guardianship and Connected Carer Team
- email: sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk
- call: 020 7525 1762
Supporting family group decision-making
The team can make a referral for a Family Group Conference (FGC). A FGC is a family meeting where families make plans and decisions about a child. It is organised and run by an independent co-ordinator. ‘Family’ includes the child concerned, parents, extended family, friends and community who are worried and care about the child.
- eligibility: All kinship carers
- access: Through the Special Guardianship and Connected Carer Team
- email: sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk
- call: 020 7525 1762
Support groups and training
Carers are welcome to attend Southwark’s monthly in-person support group and can also attend monthly walk-in sessions
The team can also refer carers to the charity Kinship and Southwark’s Family Early Help Team for training and workshops covering important topics such as challenging behaviour, legal issues relevant to kinship care, online safety and more.
- eligibility: All kinship carers
- access: contact the Special Guardianship and Connected Carer Team
- email sgoconnectedpersons@southwark.gov.uk
- call 020 7525 1762