Kinship Care Week celebrates the incredible Kinship Families who keep children safe, loved and connected. Our theme for 2026 is Connected by Kinship and during the week, we’re sharing real stories from kinship carer families to celebrate the connections that keep them strong. A huge thank you to Joanie and Edie for sharing their story.

Edie,* now age 11, was only six weeks old when she was taken into foster care because her mum was struggling with substance use and was unable to look after her.

After being back with her mum for some time, when Edie was two-and-a-half, she needed to go into emergency care with her grandparents.

This came at a really challenging time for her gran, Joanie who had sadly suffered multiple bereavements within a short time frame.

Joanie said: “It was a really difficult time and Stephen, and I were struggling to cope with everything. Edie went back into foster care for a couple of weekends around that time to give us some respite and time to grieve those in our family who had passed away as well as get our heads around the future.

“Not long after that we became legal guardians of Edie. After that we were on our own for years. There should be more support for kinship carers, especially early on.

“We were so glad when we heard from social work about Children First a couple of years ago.”

For the past two years, Edie has been getting one-to-one support from Kelly at Children First which has made a big impact. They meet every fortnight to chat and get some food together.

Joanie said: “Kelly is a really good listener and we’ve noticed a positive difference in Edie since she’s had someone who is outside of everything to talk to. She can speak to Kelly like a friend or an older sister, and I know I can always call her for support too.

“It’s been hard at our age to upend our lives and sometimes I worry we’re not doing enough for Edie, especially because my health hasn’t been great lately. So, I really appreciate being able to go to the regular kinship carers support group at Children First.

“I can vent to the group about the challenges of being a kinship carer, becoming a full-time mum again in my 60’s and everyone understands.”

Now, Edie is thriving with the support of her grandparents and help from Children First.

Joanie shared: “Edie is a wee gem. She’s doing so well at school and is really sociable and takes part in lots of clubs and activities. When I think of everything she’s been through and is still going through with patchy contact from her mum who is still struggling, she really is amazing.

“You couldn’t meet a more affectionate wee girl. Once when I came home after what she knew was a really difficult day, she had left me a note by my bed saying – “I will always love you.”

“Well, we will always love you too Edie.”

*names have been changed to protect the identity of the family.

Children First provide the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, If you’re a kinship carer in need of support we can provide practical, emotional and financial support. Call our friendly team on 08000 28 22 33 today.