AN OVERVIEW
Kinship Care in Australia
Over half of the children who are not able to live with their parents and are placed in home-based care, are in Kinship Care.
Kinship care, sometimes called Relative Care, is care provided by relatives (often grandparents) or a member of the child’s social network.
Kinship care, sometimes called Relative Care, is care provided by relatives (often grandparents) or a member of the child’s social network.
Currently
Kinship Care is the preferred placement type for children who cannot live at home with their parents.
Kinship Care has been a fast-growing placement type and is formally recognised as the preferred placement option for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children through the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle.
Kinship carers may receive less support than foster carers, as many kinship cares work directly with the Department and don’t have the support that comes from an accredited Foster Care Agency. However, this does not mean the demand and support required for children in kinship care is less.
Kinship Carers might not readily identify as carers, for a variety of reasons. Of course, this should be respected, however, it is our hope that wherever possible Kinship Carers would be supported practically and emotionally in the crucial role they play in caring for many children and young people in our communities.
Kinship Carer Associations
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia
What role can you play?
Everyone can help create the kind of community where vulnerable children, carers, and families are connected and supported.
Every role matters. Learn more about the ways to be involved at an Information Session.