Local Kinship Offer

The Local Authority has a duty to promote family time for all children in need, with their families. However, depending on the legal status this duty is different. The Children Act 1989 states Every Local Authority shall take such steps as are reasonably practicable where any child within their area who is in need and whom they are not looking after, is living apart from their family - 

1. to enable them to live with their family and
2. to promote contact between them and their family, if in their opinion it is necessary to do so, in order to safeguard or promote his welfare.

If the child or young person is cared for by the Local Authority the Children Act states the authority shall unless it is not reasonably practicable or consistent with their welfare, endeavour to promote contact between the child and –

1. their parents;
2. any person who is not a parent of his but who has parental responsibility for them; and
3. any relative, friend or other person connected with them.

We recognise that the organisation and supervision of family time can cause anxieties and present challenges for those involved. Where ever possible, the local authority would support families making arrangement for family time themselves, our position is that family time should look as ‘normal as possible’, however where there are challenges, the local authority will support and help to navigate these and where appropriate to do so, make alternative arrangements.

If you need to discuss family time or need support with arranging this please speak with your social/support worker.