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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

It’s National Kinship Care Week in England and Wales 🎉 We come together to raise awareness and celebrate kinship families – when grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and friends step in to provide children with stability and love when they cannot remain at home.

A promotional graphic for Kinship Care Week 2026 from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care. It features a smiling adult holding a young child, both wearing light blue clothing. The text reads: “Kinship Care Week 2026 – Celebrating kinship families, when relatives and friends step in to raise children who cannot remain at home.” The bottom of the image shows two heart-shaped balloons and the dates “Kinship Care Week, 5–11 October 2026.”

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Yesterday the APPG met Kate Dearden, Minister for the Future of Work, to discuss the case for statutory employment leave for kinship carers.🧵

A graphic from the APPG on Kinship Care featuring two photos from a parliamentary meeting. In both images, attendees sit around a large wooden table with papers and laptops as they discuss employment leave for kinship carers. A banner in the background reads “APPG on Kinship Care – supported by Family Rights Group.” Text on the graphic states: “APPG questions Minister for the Future of Work about employment leave for kinship carers.”

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Our Chair @melanieonnmp.bsky.social writes for Children & Young People Now about what more needs to be done to ensure the reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities system meet the distinct needs of children cared for by relatives and friends. www.cypnow.co.uk/content/comm...

cypnow.co.uk

Fighting two battles - Why kinship families need to be included in SEND reform - CYP Now

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care, Melanie Onn MP explains why policymakers need to do more to ensure reforms to the special educati...

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

NEW REPORT: Children with special educational needs and disabilities in kinship care are being let down by two complex systems at once. "Fighting Two Battles" — a new report from the APPG on Kinship Care, supported by @familyrightsgp.bsky.social 🧵

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Munira Wilson MP @munirawilson.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Half of children in kinship care have special needs, yet many carers step in during crisis with little information & schools often lack understanding of kinship care and trauma. As Vice Chair of @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social we’ve looked at how the SEND system can work better for these children.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

In February, the Govt published proposals to reform support for adoptive & kinship families🧵 This included plans to devolve the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund to regional/local decision makers. The APPG responded with concerns about the impact on kinship children

Graphic titled “Kinship Care – Consultation Response” with APPG and Family Rights Group logos. Text explains government proposals to devolve the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). It states that the APPG urges the government to ensure any reforms are based on thorough analysis of the therapeutic needs of all kinship families, not only those currently eligible.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

This week our APPG met with the Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister. A key area of focus was the new Kinship Allowance Pilot, with seven new “Kinship Zones” announced in Bexley, Bolton, Newcastle, North East Lincolnshire, Medway, Thurrock, and Wiltshire.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Today, the Government has published reforms to special educational needs and disabilities provision. Jamie, 15 from Liverpool & raised by his nan, who spoke to our APPG in October, highlights here the difference inclusive education made to him. We’ll be looking at the proposed reforms closely.

A promotional graphic about SEND and kinship care. It features a quote from a 15‑year‑old named Jamie from Liverpool, who lives with his grandmother. The quote explains that his new school teaches in a way he can understand, with smaller classes and approaches that suit his learning needs. The image includes branding from the APPG on Kinship Care and Family Rights Group.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Our APPG SEND inquiry has been shining a spotlight on the experiences of kinship families raising children with special educational needs and disabilities. Clare is one of the kinship carers who shared her experience with MPs and Peers — highlighting how carers are often “flying blind”

A dark blue graphic titled “SEND and kinship care” features a quote from Clare, a kinship carer in West Sussex, describing how carers often lack information about the children’s needs: “You’re flying blind, the school is flying blind.” Logos for the APPG on Kinship Care and Family Rights Group appear at the top.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

Today the Government announced a consultation on adoption & kinship care support, including on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF). The ASGSF will continue for two more years to 2028 with £55 million for 2026/27. There are 8 proposals for future reform. See thread for more

Informational graphic from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care announcing that the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund has been confirmed for two more years. It states that the fund provides therapeutic support for eligible adopted and kinship children and that a consultation on future reforms has begun.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

More good news! Last night, during consideration of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in the House of Lords, the Government confirmed kinship care will be added to the school census. The young people we spoke to in October told us they were keen to see this happen...

Informational graphic announcing that kinship care will be included in the school census. Blue background with logos for APPG Kinship Care and Family Rights Group. Central text explains this change will help schools identify children living with relatives or friends and improve support.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Good news! We've been working with young people, carers & @familyrightsgp.bsky.social to ensure local authorities consult with families in their area when developing their Kinship Local Offer. The Government has now tabled an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill to require this.

Informational graphic from APPG on Kinship Care, supported by Family Rights Group, announcing a government amendment requiring local authorities to consult children and families when developing their kinship local offer.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 27/11/2025

This week at our 2025 Annual General Meeting, members reflected on progress made over the last year & planned for the year ahead. Congratulations to our re-elected officers @melanieonnmp.bsky.social Joe Robertson MP @munirawilson.bsky.social Baroness Armstrong. Check out our 2024-25 report below👇

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Munira Wilson MP @munirawilson.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

Really insightful to talk with young people about their experiences of being raised in kinship care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social. It is vital that the Government and local authorities put young people's voices at the centre of all they do.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

An excellent session today hearing from young people raised in kinship care. Thanks to Isaac, Jamie, Mollie, Rosa, Maggie, Pauline & Laura from Kinship Carers Liverpool and to Kyle & Sharon from Families in Harmony. We were joined by National Kinship Ambassador Jahnine Davis too.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Across England and Wales this week, communities are celebrating the vital role of grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, and family friends - who step up in extraordinary ways to keep children safely in their family. #KinshipCareWeek

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Our 2nd spotlight session yesterday on kinship families raising children with special educational needs & disabilities. @lucypeake.bsky.social Kinship @annabirdfr.bsky.social @contactfamilies.bsky.social Johanna Bernard #FamiliesInHarmony Kate Cox #IPSEA Brian Roberts @nationalfasd.bsky.social

A screenshot of the Zoom evidence session the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care held, focused on special educational needs and disabilities. It includes APPG Vice Chair Munira Wilson MP alongside Johanna Bernard from Families in Harmony, Anna Bird from Contact, Kate Cox from the Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) , Dr Lucy Peake from Kinship and Brian Roberts from The National Organisation for FASD. The session was facilitated by Family Rights Group.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

🗓️Today's the day - our APPG's second spotlight session on special educational needs and disabilities. All MPs and Peers are welcome. Please contact Jordan on jhall@frg.org.uk.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

This week our APPG will hold a second spotlight session on kinship families raising children with special educational needs and disabilities💡 We will hear evidence from @contactfamilies.bsky.social #FamiliesInHarmony #Kinship #IPSEA @nationalfasd.bsky.social

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care spotlight session focused on kinship families raising children with special educational needs and disabilities. The session will be on Wednesday 10th September and will hear evidence from Contact, Families in Harmony, Kinship, IPSEA and the National Organisation for FASD. The APPG is supported by Family Rights Group.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

💡In our first spotlight session on special educational needs and disabilities, our Group heard from kinship carers across England about their experiences navigating the #SEND system. As the Government prepares its proposals for reform, our APPG is working to ensure kinship voices are heard.

Graphic from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care spotlight session on special educational needs and disabilities. One photo includes kinship carer Clare Walsh, APPG Chair Melanie Onn MP, Lord Hampton and Cathy Ashley who is Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, stood in front of the APPG's banner. The second is taken during the APPG discussion and includes Munira Wilson MP, Joe Robertson MP, Peter Swallow MP and Lord Hannay.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Today the Government has announced the Parental Leave and Pay Review. Our APPG strongly welcomes the inclusion of kinship families in the Review's remit. Group Chair @melanieonnmp.bsky.social responds:

Government’s Parental Leave and Pay Review to explore employment leave entitlements for kinship carers. Melanie Onn MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care, said: "The Parental Leave and Pay Review is a major opportunity to take a comprehensive look at how leave entitlements support the balance of family life including care commitments, alongside remaining in work and supporting economic growth. Our APPG, working with kinship families across the country and campaigning charities, has made the case for why kinship carers stepping in for children are a crucial part of that picture. The evidence on the potential benefits of kinship leave entitlements to children, kinship carers, the economy and the exchequer is compelling. We strongly welcome the inclusion of kinship families in the Review and will work to ensure as many families as possible can contribute."

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care welcomes the £50 million extension to the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund for 2025-26, announced by @janetdaby.bsky.social in response to an urgent question from APPG Vice Chair @munirawilson.bsky.social today. Read our statement:

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

At #PMQs today APPG Vice Chair @munirawilson.bsky.social raised the imminent cliff edge in funding for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Our APPG received a reply from @janetdaby.bsky.social on the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund. "I recognise the importance of continuity in therapy, and we are committed to providing clarity on ASGSF funding at the earliest possible opportunity." Read the full letter below:

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Over in the House of Lords, APPG Member Lord Hannay also raised the future of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund with Education Minister Jacqui Smith, following discussion at yesterday's APPG session.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Today @tessamunt.bsky.social urgently asked Leader of the Commons @lucympowell.bsky.social for an update on the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund. Our APPG has heard the current funding uncertainty beyond March 2025 is leaving many kinship families in limbo. @janetdaby.bsky.social

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Thanks to kinship carers Shanayd and Clare for sharing their experience with our APPG today. The session focused on the urgent need for clarity on the Adoption & Special Guardianship Support Fund with funding yet to be confirmed beyond this month. Also, next steps on the kinship local offer.

Two photos of kinship carers Shanayd and Clare speaking to members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care today. Text reads APPG on Kinship Care considers actions on the kinship local offer and funding for therapeutic support.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

The ambiguity around funding beyond March for the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund is leaving kinship families in limbo. Last week the APPG's officers wrote to Children's Minister @janetdaby.bsky.social about ensuring children in kinship care can access essential therapeutic support.

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

Our APPG has written to Children’s Minister @janetdaby.bsky.social with questions about the Government's plans around financial support for kinship families, including: the kinship financial allowances pilot inequalities in special guardianship allowance provision Read: frg.org.uk/wp-content/u...

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Kinship Care has written to the Children's Minister about financial support for kinship families

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

This morning APPG Vice Chair @munirawilson.bsky.social has questioned Minister Justin Madders on introducing a right to paid employment leave for kinship carers. Munira, alongside Steve Darling MP & @sarahgibsonmp.bsky.social have also tabled amendments to the Employment Rights Bill to that effect

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APPG on Kinship Care @appgkinshipcare.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

This week our Group met with the recently appointed National Kinship Care Ambassador, Jahnine Davis, to discuss her role and priorities. We also heard from Lib Dem MPs Munira Wilson and Steve Darling on their amendment to the Employment Rights Bill for paid kinship care leave.

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