We'll make sure:
- our kinship offer is accessible, informative, reviewed and updated
- you understand the kinship assessment process, the kinship options available and your legal rights
- you know how to contact your kinship team to talk about or access any support or services
- we'll support and guide you when needed, to provide a safe, loving home and to meet the needs of the child(ren) in your care.
- our practice and communication are respectful and values individual needs, heritage and diversity
- we're open, honest and transparent with you as a kinship carer listening to your views and valuing your experience
- the voice and lived experience of the child remains at the forefront of any work with families
- we'll work alongside you to make sure any support and plans are completed in consultation with you as a kinship carer
- we seek regular feedback to improve our services
Your voice
We want to make sure we have the voice of kinship carers, and as such this offer has been completed in consultation with kinship carers in Derbyshire. This offer will continue to be reviewed and updated annually to make sure we meet the needs of kinship carers and the children they care for.
Our approach
Our kinship offer aligns with national safeguarding guidance (working together to safeguard children 2026), which emphasises children thrive when supported by their wider family network, wherever this is safe and in their best interests.
Our approach also reflects the national family help model, prioritising early, and multi‑agency help to support you and the children you care for.
We also welcome the national kinship strategy and the long awaited recognition of kinship carers nationally. Locally here in Derbyshire we want to provide kinship carers with an offer that supports and values them.
We prioritise the vision that kinship care should be the first option for children who aren’t able to be cared for within their birth family, but also recognise that kinship carers will need support.
The aim of the offer is to provide Information about the services and support available to kinship carers.
We want to help and support kinship carers, while recognising differences in need depending on the kinship order and legal priorities.