Looking after someone else's child: Kinship carers

This information is for kinship carers (also known as connected carers). There is separate information if you're private fostering.

We will help to find the right option for the child 

If there are doubts about whether a child can live with their parents, South Tyneside Council will explore whether the child can live safely with family, friends or someone else who is connected to the child.

Initially, we will speak to the child's parents and do an assessment with the potential carer.

We will support kinship carers

As a kinship carer in South Tyneside, you will get support from the Council, which includes: 

Support during your assessment

The Social Worker who is dealing with your assessment will offer you supervision at least every 4 weeks, which will offer support and guidance.

Training

We will support you with training in your role as a kinship carer. 

• Preparation training - This is offered to all potential carers who are going through an assessment with South Tyneside Council. This training will explain and discuss the expectations of a kinship carer, discuss family dynamics, family time, trauma-informed approach to care, and the different legal orders. This will help you to be more informed before deciding to progress with the role.
• Training handbook - This will support before, during and after training.
• Family time training - We offer this to all kinship carers who will be expected to facilitate family time. This training will discuss safe family time, managing difficult family dynamics, monitoring and reporting on child and parent presentation and support to promote family time.

Family Support Worker

Support and early intervention via the Family Support Worker from the Connected Carers team, if needed. 

Mental health support

Therapeutic support and advice is available from a Primary Care Mental Health Specialist.

Consultations are available via appointment on a weekly basis.

Support group with other kinship carers

A monthly peer support group is in place, with events including guest speakers, peer support, advice and consultation.

Applications for funding

We can help to make applications to the Adoption Support Fund, to pay for essential therapeutic services that will support the stability of the child in your care.