Kinship Care Initiative

Children in kinship care may have many problems, and may have had chaotic upbringing throughout their formative years. Through no fault of their own they can have very low self-esteem and be amongst the most vulnerable children in society.

Glasgow has the highest rate of kinship arrangements in Scotland. Alcohol and drug addiction are the most common causes of kinship care but it can also be due to parental mental health issues, illness, imprisonment, death or neglect.

The Trades House of Glasgow Kinship Care Initiative is designed to provide opportunities and support to children and their carers (usually extended family and friends), whose parents can no longer care for them, to reach their full potential and become active citizens in the City.

The Initiative aims to:

• Improve the life chances of children living in kinship arrangements, particularly those who are unhappy or not thriving.
• Afford these children and young people the same opportunities as their peers to develop confidence and skills, enabling them to achieve their potential and lead successful adult lives.
• Ease the strain and financial burden on kinship carers.

Trades House, whose membership includes a wealth of experience with deprived groups in Glasgow, work with those already providing essential support and ensure that the funds raised are utilised effectively. Members will be there to provide mentoring and employment advice.

Donate

If you would like to make a donation to the Kinship Care Initiative, please text KINSHIP and your preferred amount to 70085 eg to donate £10, text KINSHIP 10 to 70085. Texts cost your donation amount plus two standard network rate messages. You will then receive a text message to confirm and a second text message which will give you the option to add Gift Aid onto your donation. Donations of between £1 to £20 can be made via text.

You can also make a one-off donation or set up a monthly direct debit via our JustGiving page

What is kinship care and what are the key challenges?

Kinship care involves children being looked after by grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family and friends full time, because their parents, for various reasons, are unable to carry out this role. Children in Kinship Care present many problems, due to the chaotic upbringing throughout their formative years. Through no fault of their own, they become the most vulnerable children in society with a very low self esteem.

What difference will the initiative make?

In Glasgow, over 2000 children are currently being looked after by Kinship Carers. Children and young people in Kinship care placements often miss out on experiences that other children take for granted.

Find out more

You can find out the latest news on the Kinship Care Initiative by using the contact details below.

Email Katrina Tilston
0141 553 1605