Plans have been set out to strengthen the legal rights of kinship carers in Scotland and make access to support clearer and more consistent for families.
The proposals were introduced as amendments to the Children (Care, Care Experience, and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill as stage two consideration of the legislation began at Holyrood.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes outlined changes that would introduce a legal right for eligible kinship carers to be offered, and to request, a comprehensive needs based assessment from their local authority.
The assessment would give families clarity on what support they can ask for, how decisions will be made, and help ensure greater consistency across Scotland.
If approved by MSPs, the changes would make it easier for kinship carers to access financial, practical and advocacy support by ensuring needs are considered together and linked to existing support routes.
The Bill already includes measures aimed at improving care and support for children who are in the care system or who have left care.
The legislation forms part of the Scottish Government’s work to implement the recommendations of the Independent Care Review, known as The Promise.
Promise Minister Natalie Don-Innes said the amendments recognise the role kinship carers play in providing stability for children.
“Kinship carers provide vital stability for children within their family network, and comprehensive needs assessments will enhance families’ access to financial, practical and advocacy support, while improving local partners’ ability to tailor supports to meet their needs.
“These amendments are about ensuring that children growing up in kinship care are properly supported in line with The Promise.
“They aim to improve consistency and transparency while retaining local flexibility, so families have clearer routes to support regardless of where they live.
“Progress continues to be made across Scotland on keeping The Promise and this Bill is an important aspect of our work to ensure all children and young people receive the compassionate and considerate care they need throughout their care journey.”
Eligible kinship carers can already access a range of support delivered through councils and national services.
The proposed needs based assessment would consider the individual circumstances of each child and family, with the aim of maximising access to appropriate existing support.
