Other Supports and Resources for Kinship Carers in Glasgow

Where Social Work Service has been involved in placing a child with a Kinship Carer, a full assessment of both the carer and the child's needs will be undertaken and support required identified. Ongoing support will be provided from the child's allocated worker or from a third sector organisation. The level of support will depend on the assessed need.

Support via the Carers Act

Kinship carers were given rights to access support under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 where they meet the definition of a carer, even if they are in receipt of kinship care allowance.

Under the Carers Act, a kinship carer would be eligible for support if:

• they are still regularly supporting the parent of a grandchild due to addiction, disability or mental health
• the child they are supporting could have mental health issues or disabilities. 

The child who is in kinship care could meet the definition of a young carer if:

• the kinship carer has their own long term health conditions.

Support available for Kinship Carers

There are also a number or organisations who can provide support:

• Family Addiction Support Service (FASS) has 22 affiliated support groups throughout Glasgow which include Kinship, Bereavement & Family Support Groups. Seven of these groups are Kinship Support Groups. FASS offers a variety of free supports including- Family Support, Kinship & Family Support is available at various locations throughout Glasgow and includes: Hypnotherapy, Holistic Therapy, Family Mediation, Respite Breaks, Support Groups. FASS can be contacted at 123 West Street, Glasgow, G5 8BA
  phone: 0141 420 2050 
• Parents @ Sandyford is an NHSGG&C website for parents and carers. It has information, film clips and top tips to help you talk with children about growing up, puberty, relationships and sexual health. You can also phone them on 0141 211 8130
• Children 1st offers services that help kinship families access the local services they need. They also provide emotional support, training and awareness sessions on a range of issues, including attachment and managing relationships within the family. Their National Kinship Care Service is a comprehensive and confidential telephone support service specifically for kinship carers, open 365 days a year, and can be contacted on 0800 028 2233
• Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS): The Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS) provides FREE, confidential, impartial advice to Kinship Families and Professionals working with them. This service is run by afka Scotland. 
  Phone: 0808 800 0006  
  Email: advice@kinshipscot.org
  Opening times: Mon-Fri 10am-2.30pm
• Mentor UK have published a Kinship Care Guide, which contains clear and concise information on kinship care issues and provides contact details of services which meet the needs of kinship carers and the children and young people living in their care.
• Kinship Service - Delivered Glasgow City Wide
  Respite Overnight Care / Respite Sitting / Family Support / Out of School Care during school holidays
  Kinship Children 8 to 14 years after school hours - Group work, Activities plus overnight stay weekend at Wiston Lodge
  Psychotherapy Intervention Project and Counselling Services, are all available to Kinship carers
  Contact Sandra Anderson 0141 573 2900 or email sandra@geezabreak.org.uk
• The Volunteer Tutors Organisation VTO is a registered charity which provides free educational support for children and young people who need it the most. They operate across Glasgow providing 1 to 1 tutor support through their network of 18 Homework Groups and also through the Home Tuition Program. Many of their Homework Groups are dedicated to children in kinship care. If you want to know more or to refer a child for support phone 0141 946 6498 or go to www.vtoscotland.org

There are also extensive support services for kinship carers across Glasgow which is an area of continual growth.  Kinship support groups have a strong presence in Glasgow and are well placed to provide emotional support to kinship carers and offer assistance with sign posting to local services. Many third sector organisations play a vital role in supporting kinship carers across the whole of Glasgow. 

More information one Kinship Care services in Glasgow.