Family and Friends Care Publications and Reports

By Ashley A, Braun D. September 2019

Based on information from 845 kinship carers raising at least 1252 kinship children, the report illustrates how many kinship carers experience an environment in which they feel done to, cajoled and put upon, despite trying to do their best for the children.

Developed by Family Rights Group in partnership with an expert working group. 2017

The guide sets out best practice as to how viability assessments should be conducted. It lists what factors social workers conducting the assessment need to consider, including when undertaking assessments with family members overseas. It also includes research evidence, a schedule and example template and an information sheet for a family and friends carers.

It is endorsed by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, Family Justice Council and Cafcass.

By Ashley C, Aziz R and Braun D. October 2015

Family Rights Group's research found that almost half (49%) of kinship carers have had to give up work permanently to care for the kinchild, and a further 18% had to give up work temporarily. Our survey also found that 22% of kinship care households had 3 or more children aged 18 or under. 63% of these households currently receive child tax credit. 34% of these households receive housing benefit.

By Mercer A, Lindley B, Hopkins A, Edited by Ashley C. March 2015

The study analyses 53 family and friends care policies, to identify how they are complying with statutory family and friends care guidance and to highlight good practice. It includes a check list to assist local authorities to develop and improve their policies.

This report is based upon research by Family Rights Group that reveals 26 (17%) of English local authorities, including 30% of London local authorities, are failing to comply with the most basic requirement of statutory guidance issued in 2011, to have a published policy setting out their approach towards promoting and supporting the needs of children living with family and friends carers.

By Ashley C, Roth D Family Rights Group. 2015

This report investigates the experience of siblings in the care system. It found that half (49.5%) of all sibling groups in local authority care are split up and that 37% of children in care who have at least one other sibling in care are living with none of their siblings. The research also found that although relatively few looked after children live with kinship foster carers, it appears to be particularly conducive to supporting siblings to be able to live together. The report sets out a series of recommendations to enable more siblings in care to live together, when it is in their welfare interests.

Ashley C Ed. Authors Aziz R, Roth D and Lindley B. 2012

Based on a Freedom of Information questionnaire sent in October 2011 and analysed in partnership with Grandparents Plus. Find out whether your authority has published a policy

Ashley C Ed. Authors Aziz R, Roth D and Lindley B. 2012

Survey of 493 carers raising 762 kinship children.

Aziz R and Roth D. 2012

Analysis of Government’s “Understanding Society” carers survey of 77 kinship care children living in 68 households, contrasting them with other families from the same study.

Hunt J and Waterhouse S. 2012

In depth interviews with 95 households - the “interviewed carers”. (FRG/Oxford University Centre for Family Law and Policy).

Hunt J and Waterhouse S. 2013

This major report reports the findings of a 3 year study on family and friends carers who are raising children unable to live with their parents. Conducted by Joan Hunt from University of Oxford with Family Rights Group and funded by the Big Lottery, the study explores the link between the child’s needs, support and legal status. It finds conclusively that support bears little relationships to need, but is primarily determined by whether a child is in the care system or not, regardless of the difficulties and adversities they may have experienced.