As a local authority we are encouraging residents to recognise, support and celebrate kinship carers during Kinship Care Week, taking place from 5 to 11 October 2026.
Kinship carers are relatives or close family friends who step in to care for a child when their parents are unable to do so. From grandparents and aunts to older siblings and family friends, these dedicated individuals provide children with the love, stability and security they need, often at very short notice and with little preparation.
Across England and Wales, more than 141,000 children are growing up in kinship care, remaining connected to their family networks, communities, schools and cultural identities while receiving the care and support they need.
Kinship carers play a vital role in keeping children safe and helping them thrive. Whether caring for a child through a Special Guardianship Order, as a kinship foster carer, or through an informal family arrangement, they provide children with a sense of belonging and continuity during challenging times.
This year's Kinship Care Week shines a light on the unbreakable bonds at the heart of kinship families and the communities that support them. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the unique challenges kinship carers can face and the support available to help them navigate their caring responsibilities.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Fostering for the East Midlands, said:
Kinship carers are unsung heroes within our communities. When a child needs a safe and stable home, relatives and close family friends often step forward without hesitation, providing love, security and consistency at a time when it matters most.
During Kinship Care Week, we want to recognise the incredible contribution kinship carers make every day and ensure their experiences are better understood. We encourage residents to learn more about kinship care, support local families where they can, and help raise awareness of the valuable services and support available.
By working together as communities, we can ensure kinship families feel recognised, valued and supported, giving children the best possible opportunity to grow.
To find out what support is available to carers, visit the Kinship website or visit your local authority's website for information, advice and support.
Together, let's celebrate the families who step up when children need them most and ensure kinship carers across our communities are recognised, valued and supported.