Supporting the networks of children in kinship care

Overview

Over 140,000 children in England and Wales live in kinship care, being raised by relatives or family friends rather than parents. While kinship care can provide stability and positive long-term outcomes, many children experience challenges maintaining relationships with siblings, parents, wider family members, friends and communities that matter to them. Existing evidence shows that these relationships are often fragile, poorly supported and shaped by decisions made without sufficient involvement of children themselves.

This project addresses a major gap in knowledge about the social networks of children in kinship care. It seeks to understand who children identify as important in their lives, how these relationships change over time, and what support children, carers and professionals need to maintain them safely. Drawing directly on children’s perspectives, the study aims to generate evidence that can inform local authority practice, kinship care support services and wider policy development across England and Wales.

The project aligns with current policy priorities, including the Kinship Care Strategy and the growing emphasis on family networks and enduring relationships for children with care experience.

Activities and Methods

The project consists of three interconnected work packages:

WP1: Mapping current provision

• Survey all 174 local authorities in England and Wales.
• Explore how local authorities support children in kinship care to maintain and navigate important relationships.
• Identify examples of innovative and effective practice.
• Conduct follow-up interviews to understand barriers and facilitators to good practice. 

WP2: Understanding children’s support networks

• Recruit approximately 30-36 children aged 5-16 who have entered kinship care within the previous six months.
• Conduct social network mapping using Network Canvas software.
• Use participatory approaches including creative activities, drawing, photovoice, role-play and child-led tours.
• Follow children over 18 months to understand how networks evolve and what support they need at different stages. 

WP3: Professional and carer decision-making

• Conduct longitudinal interviews with kinship carers.
• Interview social workers and other professionals involved in supporting children’s relationships and contact arrangements.
• Develop practical recommendations for improving support for children’s networks and participation in decision-making.

Findings

The project began in October 2026 and runs to March 2029.

The study will generate evidence about:

• How children in kinship care understand and navigate their support networks.
• How children’s relationships change during the early stages of kinship care.
• Barriers and facilitators to maintaining meaningful connections.
• Examples of effective local authority practice.
• Practical recommendations for policy and practice to support children’s enduring relationships.

Co-production and participation

The study was co-created with children and young people living in kinship care, kinship carers, local authorities and partner organisations. Public involvement is embedded throughout the project through a Children and Young People’s Network, a Kinship Carer Network, and lived-experience co-applicants who contribute to governance, implementation, analysis, dissemination and impact activities.

Contact us if you are interested in taking part or learning more: StablerL@cardiff.ac.uk