Give kinship carers equal financial & legal support to foster carers

253
signatures
closedDepartment for EducationOpened 10 March 2026Closed 10 September 2026

Background

We want the Government to ensure kinship carers are not pushed into poverty for keeping children out of care by ensuring kinship carers are entitled to equal financial and legal support enjoyed by foster carers, including benefits, housing protections and legal aid.

Additional details

Many kinship carers step in during crisis to keep children out of foster care, often following bereavement or family breakdown. Despite saving the state significant costs, we feel many are denied financial and legal support based solely on the court order used. We are concerned that this creates a postcode lottery, may force carers into hardship, and may disadvantage children who deserve stability and equal support.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 759505.