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Family Rights Group

Supporting family and friends carers

Campaign Email

The following email will be sent to Cathy Ashley, Family Rights Group and your local MP

Subject Line

Email Text

Feel free to edit the following text

I am writing to ask you as my local MP/candidate (please delete as applicable) to address an issue which has for too long, been overlooked in debates about the care and protection of vulnerable children: that is meeting the needs of the 250,000 children who are raised by grandparents and other relatives and friends as an alternative to being in care.

* 3 out of 4 family and friends carers experience financial hardship

* 8 out of 10 people think family and friends carers should receive financial support (YouGov poll, Feb 2009).

Research shows that these children suffer as many adversities as those in the care system who are looked after by unrelated foster carers yet, with a few exceptions, the practical, emotional and financial support available to them is wholly inadequate. The result is that their needs are not met and many live in extreme poverty and are unable to reach their optimal level of development. This is not only unjust but can lead to such placements breaking down.
 
I am a family and friends carer who has struggled to get the support I need to care for my XXXX. (Insert case details if you wish).
 
I am asking you to reassure me that you are committed to ending the postcode lottery for these children and supporting the introduction of a national financial allowance from central government and an effective support system to enable family and friends carers to raise these very vulnerable children. I trust you will campaign to get this policy adopted.
 
The Kinship Care Alliance has developed a briefing paper about this which can be found at:  www.frg.org.uk
 
Please let me know what steps you intend to take to help with this. I am available to meet with you to discuss this further.
 
Yours