More children in OOHC are cared for by a relative or someone with whom they share a community or cultural link than in general foster care
Relative and kinship carers provide the majority of care to children and young people in OOHC in NSW and it is the fastest growing form of OOHC in Australia. While it is recognised that placing children with a family or kin member can promote stability and a sense of belonging, relative and kinship carers often cite a lack of support and resources for their role.
The Benevolent Society provides the same level of support and financial reimbursement to statutory relative and kinship carers in NSW as currently provided to general foster carers.
We are developing a unique support service to help relative and kinship carers and their children. We will work in partnership with carers and their families to identify their needs and provide the right kinds of information and assistance. This may involve advice about financial support that is available, information about carer network groups and wraparound support for children.
Relative and kinship care research
We are currently working with two experts in relative and kinship care to develop a practice model that supports carers and their children to achieve the best possible outcomes. We will talk with carers and children about their experiences to inform the development of a best practice kinship care model.
We recently published a research report called examining how to best support Kinship carers to provide safe, stable, and loving homes for children and young people who cannot live with their birth parents. Read the researcch snapshot, Supporting Kinship Care or the full report, A Framework of Practice for Implementing a Kinship Care Program.
For further information on this project, please contact Laura Breslin, OOHC Research and Evaluation Officer on (02) 9339 9322.