Kinship Care Values and Principles

We believe that, wherever it is safe and appropriate, children should be supported to live with their families. We will work with families to help children remain at home and provide services and support that promote their safety, wellbeing, and development.

This commitment applies to all children in need, including children who are cared for by Sandwell Children’s Trust.

If a child cannot live with their immediate family and the Trust is considering becoming responsible for their care, we will make every effort to identify suitable family members or friends who are willing and able to care for the child. We recognise the important role that family and friends can play in providing stable and nurturing care.

Any support provided will be based on the assessed needs of the child and their carers, rather than solely on the child’s legal status. We will work to ensure that family and friends carers receive appropriate support to help prevent children from becoming cared for by the local authority where this is in the child’s best interests, or to help children return to family-based care as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

We will provide information, guidance, training, and support in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of family and friends carers. This may include providing information in alternative formats and ensuring that communication is clear and easy to understand.