Image

Kinship care

The close connection, love and care of a child, by a relative or family friend, when their parents are unable to care for them.

Enquire about foster care

What is kinship care?

Barnardos recognise the great benefit children receive in being cared for by their relatives or kin.

Kinship care refers to arrangements whereby children reside with, and are cared for by, relatives, family friends or community members with the same cultural ties. Kinship carers are often grandparents, aunties or uncles who have taken on a full-time caring role at a later stage in life.

We are committed to upholding the rights and traditions of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and support the vital role kinship carers play in the lives of children by keeping them connected to their family, culture and community.

Barnardos welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship care applicants and acknowledge that adoption is culturally inappropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

strip

How we support our kinship carers
optimization-search-seo-training

Undergo foster care training

We provide comprehensive initial training so you can be confident in your abilities

24/7 on-call support

Guidance is available any time of the day or night to help you in a crisis

Access to foster care payments

As a kinship carer you get a tax-free allowance to contribute to the costs of caring for a child

Ongoing learning & events

You may find our training and learning opportunities useful in your new kinship care role
strip

Questions you might have about kinship care?

What is a kinship carer?

A kinship carer is someone who provides care for a child they are related to or have a strong existing relationship with, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend or community member. A Kinship Carer with Barnardos is authorised as a carer when a determination by the court is made that the child or young person’s parent/s are unable to meet the child or young person’s needs.

Who can be a kinship carer?

  • Relative/Kin (e.g. grandparents, aunts, uncles)
  • Non-relative/Kin with a close, pre-existing relationship (e.g. godparents, close family friends, teacher, community member)

A Kinship Carer can be anyone who has a connection to the family and or the child or young person.

Steps to become a kinship carer

  • Be identified as a potential carer by Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) or caseworker
  • Undergo a step-by-step assessment and probity checks (WWCC, police check, home safety check etc.)
  • Complete relevant training
  • Receive ongoing support

What support do I get?

As an authorised kinship carer, you will receive:

  • Financial support or allowances
  • Access to respite care
  • Emotional and cultural support
  • Training and caseworker support and guidance

Once authorised all Kinship Carers must meet ongoing carer compliance.

Why does kinship care matter?

Kinship care helps children feel safer, more supported, and remain connected to their identity. Research shows that children in kinship care often experience better emotional and behavioural outcomes.

It takes a community to raise a child

strip

Other types of foster care

Enquire about foster care

WHAT WE SEE

We see beyond the sleepover in cars and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a parent and their child have nowhere safe to stay and are
currently waiting for refuge accommodation.

We see beyond the sleepover in cars
and understand the underlying issues.

After escaping family violence, a
parent and their child have nowhere
safe to stay and are currently waiting
for refuge accommodation.

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay. At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique needs and provide tailored support for each family member.   

Safe accommodation

Support with transitional accommodation

Safety Planning

Providing safety planning
so that families can leave violence for good

Counselling icon

Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood. Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to help them recover and thrive. 

HOW BARNARDOS HELPS

We understand that families and
children who have experienced domestic and family violence need more than just a safe place to stay.
At Barnardos, we work closely with children to identify their unique
needs and provide tailored support
for each family member.   


Support with transitional accommodation
♡
Providing safety planning so that families can leave violence for good
♡
Access to counselling services

Children who have survived domestic and family violence often experience long-term impacts into adulthood.
Our caseworkers recognise the importance of specialist support to
help them recover and thrive. 

You can help too! A simple gift today can support a child who has experienced
domestic and family violence to recover and heal.

close