KCASS recognises children in Kinship Care often face additional challenges due to the circumstances and distressing experiences which led to them coming into Kinship Care, these experiences are often described as trauma. Kinship Carers will also have been impacted by these circumstances. In recognition of this we strive to provide a wide range of supports which can be accessed to help children and adults recover from a difficult period in their lives. KCASS has a range of information which is relevant for Kinship families and help sheets can be accessed here.
Practically every Kinship Carer has been confronted by a situation when their children and young people ‘lose it’ and have a ‘meltdown’. Whether this is in the home or in the middle of a busy Supermarket this video will help explain why this might be happening, how to avoid it in the first place and some practical techniques for when it does happen. Watch Anne Wilson and Sarah Nelson of Children’s Health Scotland here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUnZz5dktGc&t=23
Therapeutic parenting for Kinship Carers focussing on supporting children who have experienced trauma can be accessed here: Therapeutic Parenting for Kinship Carers workshop – YouTube
Listen to a Kinship Carer, Richard Rose and Sally Wassell here: Kinship Care Conference 2022 – YouTube
The UK Trauma Council helps provide an understanding of trauma, its impact on children and the brain and some information on supporting those affected by trauma and can be accessed here: UKTC (uktraumacouncil.org)
Glasgow Educational Psychology Service have developed a series of videos focusing on the importance of relationships in supporting children and young people’s development, wellbeing and resilience.
The animations provide Kinship Carers with information and practical ideas to continue building nurturing and trusting relationships with their child or young person, and to support the wellbeing of Carers too!
There are five videos available for you to watch on the Glasgow Educational Psychology Service website. They are:
Videos can be accessed using the link below:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often affects Kinship families you can watch an informative video here: An introduction to FASD – YouTube Our colleagues at the FASD hub developed an information leaflet for KCASS and you can view this on our help sheet page and you can also visit the FASD hub website here: FASD Hub | Home | Adoption UK Charity
For children who are bereaved you can visit the Child Bereavement UK site who have some support information and this can be viewed here: Supporting bereaved children and young people | Child Bereavement UK
The Scottish Government has a list of accessible support for those who are bereaved and this can be viewed here: Bereavement support – mygov.scot
SAMH is Scotland’s mental health charity and resources can be found on their website, we particularly like: Improve your mental health and wellbeing | SAMH
The Kinship Care Advice Support Service for Scotland is provided by Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity. Anyone whose family needs emotional, practical or financial advice can call our supportline
Children First: 08000 28 22 33
Email: supportline@childrenfirst.org.uk