Kinship Carers Report Lack of Mental Health Support for Children

A survey of kinship carers has found that a majority of the children in their care are not receiving mental health support to address trauma. Kinship carers, who are often grandparents, aunts, uncles or close family friends, step in when parents cannot provide care.

The poll of 1,036 carers by the charity found that 60.1% reported their children are not getting the mental health assistance needed. Without tailored support the families face a risk of breakdown that could result in more children entering the formal care system, according to responses in the survey.

The charity's annual poll, which surveyed 1,929 carers, recorded a rise in difficulties managing children's challenging behaviour from 52% in 2022 to 66% this year. Some 13% of respondents expressed doubts about their ability to continue providing care.

Almost three-quarters, or 71%, of the carers attributed these struggles to the complex social, emotional and mental health needs of the children. The charity stated that the current mental health support for kinship children who have suffered high levels of trauma is not working.

Earlier this year the Government launched a consultation on plans to reform mental health support for adoptive and eligible kinship families. The consultation, which closed on May 5, includes changes to the adoption and special guardianship support fund that aims to support therapeutic needs for children.

The charity said the consultation does not go far enough to address the needs of kinship families. The survey found that just 11% of eligible kinship families are receiving support-fund-funded therapy compared with 50% of adoptive families. The charity called for access to therapeutic support for all children in kinship care.

The survey was released after the Government launched a pilot scheme to pay kinship carers in seven areas of the country known as Kinship Zones. The areas are Bexley in Greater London, Bolton in the North West, Newcastle in the North East, North East Lincolnshire in the East Midlands, Medway in the South East, Thurrock in the East of England and Wiltshire in the South West.

The Department for Education estimates that around 5,000 youngsters and their families could benefit from the £126 million investment.