Kinship Care Week is taking place from 6 to 12 October and is a national celebration of the incredible families who step in to care for children when their parents cannot. Across England and Wales there are more than 141,000 children growing up with kinship carers who are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or close family friends. These amazing Kinship Carers provide a safe, loving and stable home for vulnerable children in our community.
In Derby, many children are cared for by relatives or friends under what is known as “looking after someone else’s child.” Sometimes this happens through informal arrangements, while in other cases the local authority helps family members or close friends to become approved foster carers. Other options include Child Arrangements Orders, Special Guardianship Orders, or private fostering, where the council is notified to make sure children remain safe and supported. The Derby City Council Family and Friends Team is here to offer guidance, training and advice so carers feel confident and children can thrive.
Kinship carers often describe the experience as deeply rewarding, even though it can bring challenges.
One carer explained:
Being a Kinship Carer means my grandchildren get to stay in a happy secure family environment where they can be themselves and have strong family bonds. Being a family gives stronger roots for children to grow.
Another shared:
Being a kinship carer is so rewarding, being able to be a part of helping bring up these children and help them grow into the person they will become is amazing to see.
A third added:
Being a kinship carer is the most rewarding thing I have ever done! It can be challenging at times navigating through life to make the best decisions for the child, but seeing them living their best life, happy and worry free gives you the reassurance you're doing a good job.
Derby City Council is celebrating Kinship Care Week and recognising the vital contribution of kinship carers. Their dedication ensures children can stay connected to their families, heritage and communities, giving them stability and a sense of belonging. By shining a light on their experiences, we can help more carers feel less isolated and make sure they receive the support they need.
Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said:
Kinship carers make an extraordinary difference to children’s lives. By stepping in when families need them most, they provide stability, love and a strong sense of belonging. This Kinship Care Week, we want to celebrate their dedication and remind every kinship carer that they are valued, supported and never alone.
This Kinship Care Week, Derby invites everyone to raise a teacup in recognition of kinship families everywhere. It is a small but powerful way to say thank you to those who go above and beyond to provide children with love, safety and the strong family roots they deserve.
For more information, please contact the family and friends team by email at sgo.support@derby.gov.uk or you can telephone to be put through to a duty worker on 01332 643867.
Further information about family and friends care (also known as kinship care) can be found on the Kinship website.
Watch the film 'This is Kinship Care' which explains more about kinship care.