Kinship carers are much needed by society. Family members, often grandparents, who step in to help their relatives, often do so without knowing the full extent of their status and legal options available to them.

We know children's outcomes are far better when they remain cared for within their own family, where they have a sense of belonging and love. It is true that kinship care is not always successful and that foster carers offer good quality care and love, but research is clear that children progress better in life where they remain within their own families.