Across Kinship Care Week we acknowledge and celebrate the significant efforts and contributions of kinship carers across the state.
Kinship care is the preferred placement type for children and young people who cannot live with their parents. Kinship care is provided by relatives or a member of a child's social network. This person could be:
- a family member
- a close friend
- another significant person.
In Victoria, more than 80% of children and young people in care are in kinship care.
Kinship care provides a loving and nurturing home for children and young people while helping keep their 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 critical role of kinship carers in the lives of children, young people and families.
We thank you for your commitment to helping children, young people and families across the state feel safe, supported and ready to thrive.
We also recognise Kinship Carers Victoria, the peak body that represents kinship carers.
Kinship Carers Victoria advocates for kinship carers and provides training and resources to support them in their caring role.
Supports for kinship carers
In Victoria, kinship carers can access a range of supports and services.
The Care Support Help Desk phone line has supported carers through over 22,420 calls. It has helped over 9,125 children and young people in care to access important documents. This includes Medicare cards and birth certificates.
Kinship carers can also access the Carer KaFÉ. This resource provides a range of online and in-person learning and development opportunities to carers.
The care allowance is a fortnightly payment. It helps carers meet the day-to-day costs of supporting a child in their care.
Allowance rates are based on the age and needs of the child. For more information, visit Support for home based carers in Victoria.
The Victorian Carer Card provides kinship carers with discounts and benefits from businesses, local government and community organisations. It also provides travel discounts, including free weekend travel. Visit the Carer Card website for more information.
To learn more about kinship care and supports for kinship carers, visit the Kinship care web page.