Family Arrangement

What is a Kinship Family Arrangement?

This is an informal kinship arrangement.  This is where the child's parent(s) have asked someone to care for their child.  This is often a close family member.

The care can be for a few days or longer. 

This might happen when: 

  • The parent is ill 
  • The parent is in prison
  • There are difficulties in the family home
  • The parent is going on holiday 
  • The parent is working or studying away from home

Social services are not involved. The court is not involved.

Young adult male with two teenage males

Parental Responsibility

As an informal kinship carer, you do not have parental responsibility.  You cannot make any key decisions for the child.  Parents must still make all key decisions.

Key decisions include:

  • Giving consent for non-urgent medical treatment.
  • Choosing child's school.
  • Taking the child abroad.

You must keep the child safe and care for them properly. 

Family Arrangements - The Law

The Law says:

  • Only a close family member can care for a child for more than 28 days.

You are a close family member if you are: 

  • Step-parent (though marriage or civil partnership)
  • Brother or sister (including half-siblings and step-siblings)
  • Grandparent
  • Uncle or aunt

This relationship can be through blood, marriage, civil partnership, or adoption.

You are not a close family relative if:

  • You are are in a relationship or 'living with' the parent.  Even if the child lives with you and you have helped raise them
  • You are a cousin, niece, nephew, great-grandparent, or great-aunt or uncle. 
  • You are a close family friend or neighbour.

If you are not a close relative, this becomes a Private Fostering arrangement. 

You must tell the council if care lasts more than 28 days.

This rule applies to children under 16. (Under 18, if disabled child).

 

Longer‑Term Planning

If you are caring long term, you may want parental responsibility.  You will need to go to court for a formal order.

You can apply for:

This will allow you to make key decisions. 

Next page: Private Fostering

Understanding Kinship Care
Information from https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/
Printed on September 30th 2026
Page last updated
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