Kinship care is when a person within the child’s natural network cares for the child or young person when they cannot live with their parents. This person can be:
- a family member
- close friend, or
- another significant person.
Kinship care helps keep a child or young person’s connection to family, community and culture. The arrangement is managed and supported by either child protection or community service organisations.
The Victorian Government recognises the important role of kinship carers. We want to thank Kinship Carers Victoria and the commitment of all kinship carers in making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Victoria.
There are a range of resources available to support kinship carers.
To find out more about kinship care and what supports are available for carers, visit Kinship care on our Services website.