Supporting family and friends carers
There are around 250,000 children who are being raised by grandparents and other relatives and friends as an alternative to being in care.

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.

* 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).


The Kinship Care Alliance is an informal network of 20 organisations and academics that work together to develop a joint policy agenda and to campaign to improve the situation of children who cannot live with their parents.

We are asking for your support with our campaign to end the postcode lottery for these children and support 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.

Please make your views known to your MP and local parliamentary candidates via emailing using this site.