What we should learn from the Muslim foster care row | Letters

Mike Stein, David Shannon, Dr Ray Jones and Judith Martin respond to Gaby Hinsliff’s article on the recent fostering controversy

Gaby Hinsliff provides a searching analysis of how child “AB” has become “a pawn in a bigger political game” (Who will safeguard the victims of our cultural wars?, 1 September). However, as well as highlighting the positive contribution of foster carers, mention should also be made of kinship carers – grandparents, uncles and aunts or close family friends. It is now little AB’s grandmother who will be responsible for her care. Research shows that kinship carers provide a strong family and cultural identity, with the child not seeing themselves as “in care”, and they stick with them through troubled times – although they often lack the financial, practical and personal support they need.

Analysis of census data carried out in 2011 showed that just under 7,000 children in care in England were “looked after” by kinship carers and a further 136,497, or 95%, living in informal kinship care. It is also of note that in the UK, just under 20% of young people are placed with kinship carers compared to just under half in Spain (more than those living in foster or residential care) – and that there is great variation in usage between English local authorities. This evidence clearly suggests the need for kinship care to receive far greater recognition and resources as part of a continuum of care services for children unable to be cared for at home.
Mike Stein
Emeritus professor, University of York

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from Children | The Guardian http://ift.tt/2gCjTza