Derby City Council is urging residents to acknowledge, support, and celebrate kinship carers throughout Kinship Care Week, which runs from 5 to 11 October 2026. Kinship carers are defined as relatives or close family friends who provide care for a child when their parents are unable to do so. This includes grandparents, aunts, older siblings, and family friends who offer children love, stability, and security, often with little notice or preparation.
Across England and Wales, over 141,000 children are currently being raised in kinship care arrangements. These arrangements allow children to remain connected to their family networks, communities, schools, and cultural identities while receiving necessary care and support. Kinship carers play a critical role in ensuring children's safety and promoting their well-being, whether through a Special Guardianship Order, as kinship foster carers, or via informal family agreements. They provide a vital sense of belonging and continuity during challenging periods.
This year's Kinship Care Week focuses on the strong bonds within kinship families and the communities that support them. The initiative also aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by kinship carers and to highlight the support services available to assist them with their responsibilities.
“"Kinship carers are unsung heroes within our communities. When a child needs a safe and stable home, relatives and close family friends often step forward without hesitation, providing love, security and consistency at a time when it matters most."
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, stated that kinship carers are 'unsung heroes' who provide essential love, security, and consistency when children need a safe home. He added that during Kinship Care Week, the aim is to recognise their significant contributions and improve understanding of their experiences. Residents are encouraged to learn more about kinship care, offer support to local families, and raise awareness of available services.
The council emphasised that by working together, communities can ensure kinship families feel recognised, valued, and supported, thereby offering children the best opportunities to thrive. For information on available support for carers, individuals can visit the Kinship website or Derby City Council's dedicated Kinship website.
