We want the Government to ensure kinship carers are not pushed into poverty for keeping children out of care by ensuring kinship carers are entitled to equal financial and legal support enjoyed by foster carers, including benefits, housing protections and legal aid.

Many kinship carers step in during crisis to keep children out of foster care, often following bereavement or family breakdown. Despite saving the state significant costs, we feel many are denied financial and legal support based solely on the court order used. We are concerned that this creates a postcode lottery, may force carers into hardship, and may disadvantage children who deserve stability and equal support.