Adoption, fostering and kinship care

Kinship care

Kinship care, or 'family and friends foster care' is the term used when a child is cared for by a close friend or relative.

Unless there are clear reasons why placement within the family would not be in the child’s best interests, care within the wider family and community circle will be the first option for the child.

Financial assistance may be available, depending on your financial circumstances, and child benefit and tax credits can be claimed. You can get more information from the Fostering Network and Scottish Government websites.

Kinship carers can access support from the Family Placement Team. Kinship carers will also undergo an assessment in relation to their suitability to care for the named child in placement with them.

This assessment will consist of a home study report regarding the carers circumstances and how the child came into their care. They will also be required to undergo a disclosure scotland check for all persons over 16 years of age residing in the home. They will also require medicals to ensure they are fit and able to care for the needs of this named child. Along with this they will be required to provide us with 3 referees who can speak on their behalf about their ability to meet the needs of the child.

More information can be obtained by contacting:
Email:fosteringandadoptionteam@shetland.gov.uk
Tel: 01595 744000