Quick comparison

Caring for a child who cannot live with their birth parents is a big responsibility, and understanding your options is vital. Two common routes are kinship care and special guardianship, but they’re not the same—and the differences can affect your rights, support, and the child’s future.

What Is Kinship Care?

Kinship care means a child is looked after by relatives or close family friends when their parents can’t care for them. This can be informal (arranged within the family) or formal (arranged by the local authority). Kinship carers might be grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, or even family friends.

Pitfall: Many assume kinship care automatically gives full parental rights. In reality, unless the local authority is involved and you’re approved as a foster carer, you may not have legal parental responsibility.

What Is Special Guardianship?

Special guardianship is a legal order made by the court. It gives a carer—often a relative or friend—enhanced parental responsibility for a child until they turn 18. Special guardians can make most decisions about the child’s upbringing, including schooling, medical treatment, and travel.

Top Tip: Special guardianship offers more stability and legal security than informal kinship care, but it requires a formal assessment and court process.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Kinship Care: Unless you have a child arrangements order or are an approved foster carer, you may not have full parental responsibility. You might need the birth parents’ consent for major decisions.
Special Guardianship: You get parental responsibility and can make most decisions, though birth parents retain some rights (e.g., consent for adoption).

Common Mistake: Not applying for a legal order when caring for a child long-term. Without it, you may struggle to access benefits or make key decisions.

Support and Financial Help

Kinship Carers: If the local authority asks you to care for a child, you may be approved as a foster carer and get fostering allowances. If it’s an informal arrangement, support is more limited, but you can apply for Child Benefit and other help.
Special Guardians: You may be eligible for a special guardianship allowance, plus Child Benefit and other support. The local authority should assess your needs.

Pitfall: Missing out on support by not informing the council or misunderstanding eligibility.

Process and Assessment

Kinship Care: Can be informal or formal. If the council is involved, you’ll be assessed and may need to be approved as a foster carer.
Special Guardianship: Requires a court application, assessment by social services, and a formal order.

Top Tip: Always ask for written information about the assessment process and what support is available.

Long-Term Implications

Special guardianship offers more permanence and stability for the child. It can help maintain family links while providing a secure home. Kinship care can be less formal, but may lack legal protection and support.

Things to Consider:
-The child’s wishes and feelings
-Your ability to meet the child’s needs long-term
-The impact on contact with birth parents

Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

-Assuming kinship care gives full parental rights
-Not applying for support or legal orders
-Overlooking the child’s emotional needs and wishes

Top Tips for Carers

-Be clear about your legal status and rights
-Ask the local authority about support and allowances
-Build a strong support network—family, friends, professionals
-Keep records of arrangements and decisions
-Put the child’s welfare and wishes at the centre

Conclusion

Kinship care and special guardianship both offer ways to support children who need a safe, loving home. The key difference is legal status and the level of support available. If you’re caring for a child long-term, consider applying for a legal order to secure your rights and access help. Stay open, ask questions, and remember—your care can make all the difference in a child’s life.

If you need more clarity or want to talk through your situation, chat to Caira 24/7 for instant answers.