The national campaign, running from 5 to 11 October, celebrates relatives and close family friends who step in to care for children when their parents are unable to. Across the country, over 141,000 children are growing up in kinship families. In Coventry, these carers are essential in helping children maintain connections to their roots, communities, and loved ones.
Cllr Mal Mutton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, praised the "extraordinary difference" kinship carers make. "They support children at some of the most difficult moments in their lives and provide the stability and reassurance they deserve," she stated. "Their dedication helps children stay connected to their families, their identity, and their home, making a lasting difference."
Cllr Mutton added, "Kinship Care Week is an important reminder of the value of these families, and I want to thank every kinship carer in Coventry for the remarkable contribution they make." Kinship carers take on their role in various circumstances, including formal arrangements like Special Guardianship Orders or kinship foster care, and informal arrangements without a legal order.
Where children cannot remain with their parents, Coventry City Council prioritises placing them with family or friends when safe and appropriate. When this is not possible, foster carers provide a stable, loving home close to the child's community, schools, and support networks. Cllr Mutton highlighted that all these carers share a "commitment to providing children with a sense of belonging, and the chance to thrive within their wider family network."
Sukriti Sen, Director of Children and Education Services, expressed gratitude, stating, "Kinship Care Week is a special opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to the relatives and family friends across Coventry who step forward to care for children when they need them most." She emphasised that kinship carers offer "love, stability, belonging and a continuing connection to their family, culture and community," transforming children's lives, often unexpectedly.
Sukriti Sen also acknowledged the challenges faced by carers, assuring that the council is committed to listening and improving advice, support, and services. The week also aims to raise awareness and ensure families know where to find local help. For more information on kinship care and support in Coventry, visit coventry.gov.uk/childrenandfamilies.
