Kinship Foster Care is an option where relatives (other than a parent) can be given support by the Authority, where appropriate, possible and in the best interest of the child, to care for a child related to them. This is preferable where possible, as it helps to maintain the child’s connections with their families, and therefore this type of care is prioritized where such individuals are available and willing to care for a child.
Section 3 of the Children’s Authority Act Ch 46:10 defines relative as inclusive of a step parent, a grandparent, a brother or sister, whether by whole or half blood, or an uncle or aunt whether by whole or half blood. The Authority will provide support through monitoring, training, funding for the child and psycho-social support for a relative who has been approved as a kinship foster parent.
It is premised on the fact that said relative is willing and able to care for the child after a process of thorough assessment and vetting, to ensure the child is not exposed to further risk. These individuals must be willing to continue to work with the Foster Care Unit, as the child’s case will continue to be managed by the Authority to ensure that the child’s best interest is maintained at all times.
