Adoption UK Scotland and the Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption (AFKA) Scotland are delighted to have been successful in their tender to continue delivery of the much needed Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS) alongside our partner provider the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Scotland.
Since contract delivery began in 2020 the service has directly supported over 800 kinship carers offering them specialist information and advice. Via our enquiry email and helpline, we have responded to over 6000 enquiries from both kinship carers and professionals offering expert advice, support and information. Our updated website www.kinship.scot offers information in many forms including factsheets and newsletters helping to keep kinship families updated and informed of what’s happening in the world of kinship care. We’ve also visited kinship carer groups in 24 of the 32 local authority areas across Scotland and welcomed hundreds of families to events. Our Kinship Practitioner Forum meets regularly and includes 31 Scottish Local Authorities as well as other voluntary agencies who work with kinship families with the aim of sharing and improving practice.
KCASS receives invaluable support from our advisory group, comprised of kinship carers from across Scotland, who ensure the voices of lived experience are at the heart of our organisation.
One member representing the group told us: “I’m so glad that KCASS have been successful. They have really made me feel that kinship carers now have a voice and at last it’s being listened to. Their successful tender can only make things even better with the continuity this will provide.
The What Now? booklet, in particular, is amazing and makes a huge difference to new carers who receive it, with clear signposts for guidance and support at a very confusing time.”
Look out for more information about planned events and updates via our Twitter/website/Facebook and get in touch with the service via our helpline 0808 800 0006 Monday-Friday 10am-2.30pm or by emailing us at advice@kinshipscot.org anytime.
