Kinship Care Week 2026 will be taking place 9th – 15th March.
This year’s celebration will once again bring together kinship carers, children and young people, professionals, and partner organisations for a week of learning, connection, recognition and events.
Overview
Kinship Care Week is a unique opportunity to celebrate, raise awareness and recognise kinship care families in Scotland. It’s a chance to bring families together, strengthen connections and remind kinship carers that they are not alone.
Our 2026 theme – Connected by Kinship – highlights the relationships that keep kinship families strong. Throughout the week we will explore trauma and attachment, celebrate the power of connection and encourage professionals and decision‑makers to deepen their understanding of kinship care families so they can provide better support.
Explore our full programme of events below…
Calendar of Events
Monday 9 March – The Science of Connection (Webinar)
Audience: Kinship carers
Open online session where Dr Zeedyk will share her insights and knowledge, affirming that human beings are wired for connection, and children’s wellbeing depends profoundly on the emotional availability and wellbeing of their caregivers.
Lead: Dr Suzanne Zeedyk (Honorary Fellow, University of Dundee).
Tuesday 10 March – Connecting with the Whole Story: How to Support your Family to Handle Complex Trauma (Webinar)
Audience: Kinship carers
Living with the effects of trauma can be exhausting, confusing and often invisible to the people around you. Many families carry experiences of stress, loss or difficulties that continue to shape daily life in ways that aren’t always easy to name or talk about. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone and support is available. Hear from our experienced Children First Scottish Borders trauma recovery team who have supported hundreds of kinship families over many years. The team will provide practical and trauma informed advice to help you navigate what can feel like an isolating time.
Leads: Sarah Axford (Service Manager) and Tamzin Baxter (Team Leader), Children First
Tuesday 10 March – Empowering Families Affected by Trauma (Webinar)
Audience: Practitioners
Hear from our experienced Children First Scottish Borders trauma recovery team who have supported hundreds of kinship families over many years. Families impacted by complex trauma often face challenges that aren’t immediately visible and the professionals who support them need approaches rooted in understanding, compassion and evidence-informed practice. This webinar explores what it truly means to work in a trauma‑informed way when supporting families living with the effects of chronic stress, adversity, or relational trauma.
Lead: Sarah Axford, Service Manager and Tamzin Baxter (Team Leader), Children First
Wednesday 11 March – Championing Kinship Care: Practitioner Forum (In-Person)
Audience: Practitioners
An in person event with Dr Suzanne Zeedyk for practitioners in support roles with children in kinship families. Suzanne will emphasise the courage, empathy and curiosity needed from professionals working with these families.
Sign Up Link: If you are interested in attending this event please contact communications@childrenfirst.org.uk
Friday 13 March – Financial Wellbeing for Kinship Families: Drop in webinar
Audience: Kinship carers
Drop in session for kinship carers to provide advice around financial wellbeing and support.
Lead: Financial Wellbeing Service Manager
Saturday 14 March – Sharing Stories of Kinship Connection
Audience: Kinship carers
We will dedicate the KCASS Facebook page to stories of kinship connection and support from across Scotland and encourage people to respond with messages of support to help kinship families feel connected.
Link: Facebook
Sunday 15 March – Celebrating Kinship Care: Visits to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park
Audience: Kinship carers
A special day out for kinship families to enjoy together, made possible through the support of our partners at RZSS, who have invited families to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
Limited tickets available. First come first served.
To keep up to date on all our events and activities – Follow us on Facebook
More details of the events will follow soon. Keep an eye on this site and our social media to receive the latest updates.
