Basic information about becoming a foster carer, help with the costs of fostering and training and support.

Guidance for anyone thinking about taking on the care of a child from within their family and friends’ network.

A charity that helps and supports LGBT+ couples decide whether they want to adopt or foster. 

Kinship care is when a child lives full-time or most of the time with a relative or friend who isn't their parent, usually because their parents aren't able to care for them. Information for grandparents bringing up a child who is not their own. 

Many grandparents have limited or no contact with their grandchildren often because of family conflict following a divorce or separation. Information about what you can do in this situation.

Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, and it's usually a positive thing if they can stay in touch after there has been a separation or divorce. Information about the role that mediation can play in helping grandparents and their grandchildren.

Contains advice sheets with detailed advice to kinship carers. It includes advice for special guardians and kinship foster carers and to parents whose children are in kinship care. There are also DIY guides for relatives and friends who are considering applying to court for a special guardianship order or a child arrangements order.

This information explains what a special guardianship order is and who can apply for one. 

This page explains the situations where Special Guardianship might be appropriate to secure the long term arrangements for a child living with a person other than their parent. It explains the assessment process and support available.

This information explains what special guardianship is and what effect it has, who can apply for it, how you can apply for it, and how to get financial support.