Kinship local offer
We are committed to helping children stay within their family network when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
We believe all children should feel safe, loved and supported.
Our principles
Our principles are as follows:
- children should be supported to stay within their family network where possible
- kinship carers should receive clear information and support
- children and carers should be involved in decisions that affect them
- families should be treated fairly and with respect
Support available to all kinship families
Support is available for both formal and informal kinship arrangements.
Families First Partnership Programme
Families First brings services together so families receive joined-up support at the earliest opportunity.
Family hubs
Family hubs offer free support, activities, information and parenting advice for families with young children.
Children with additional needs
Families can access support through the SEND Local Offer, including activities, advice and specialist services.
Leisure and youth services
Children and young people can access sports, play, health and wellbeing activities through local services and community organisations:
- Livewell Southend website
- Livewell Mental health support
- Events and Leisure
- School admissions
- Southend Best Start Family Hubs
Support available
Special Guardianship support forums:
- independent advice and counselling through PAC-UK
- special Guardianship support forums are held every six weeks held at the civic center.
- support, training and peer groups through Kinship charity
- support from Southend-on-Sea Virtual School for children that were previously cared for by the local authority.
- therapeutic support where eligible through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.
- training in Trauma and child development and other relevant training via the training brochure.
- support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) through your GP
- guidance from Family Rights Group on legal rights and children's services
- advice from Citizens Advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment and energy costs
Family time with birth family
Family time helps children stay connected to important people in their lives. Arrangements should meet the child's needs and may vary from family to family.
Financial help
You may be able to get financial support depending on your type of kinship arrangement and your personal circumstances.
Informal kinship carers may be able to claim benefits if eligible.
Private foster carers must agree financial arrangements with the child's parent and may be able to claim benefits if eligible.
Kinship foster carers receive a weekly fostering allowance.
Special Guardians may be eligible for a means-tested allowance, a settling-in payment and other benefits if eligible.
Additional help and support
More information about local services is available through Livewell Southend and the local service directory.
Complaints and feedback
If you are unhappy with the support you receive, speak to the kinship team first.
Telephone: 01702 212938
Email: kinshipteam@southend.gov.uk
You can also use the Children's Services complaints process.
Useful contacts
Kinship Team: kinshipteam@southend.gov.uk
Kinship duty line: 01702 212938
Emergency Duty Team: 0345 6061212
National organisations
Kinship - 0300 123 7015
Family Rights Group - 0808 801 0366
Citizens Advice Southend - 08082 78 79 78, Out-of-hours contact number: 07503 669359