Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to provide redress for kinship carers in instances where local children’s services are not utilising the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund in the intended way.

The department’s recently published policy paper specified that families should receive support immediately when the child is placed, delivering on our mission to provide children with the best start in life. Regular discussions are held with other departmental ministers on these issues.

The department recently announced £8.8 million for Adoption England to improve adoption services and help regional adoption agencies to put in place support to respond more effectively to adoptive families in crisis.

The department is also ensuring that children in kinship care get the right support. This includes promoting their educational and mental health needs and supporting their carers. We are also delivering over 140 kinship peer support groups and a package of training and support for kinship carers.

The £50 million adoption and special guardianship support fund will continue to enable families to access a significant package of therapeutic support. Local areas may supplement with their own funding as needed.

Statutory guidance states that all local authorities must publish information about services for children in kinship care and how they will meet their needs. It states that children should receive the support they and their carers need to safeguard and promote their welfare. All local authorities should be clear what support services they provide.