Kinship Care

Formal kinship care

Formal kinship care is recognised by courts and child protection services. Carers in these placements receive defined responsibilities and support to meet children’s needs.

Informal kinship care

Informal care happens when relatives or friends step in without legal orders. While not formally assessed, these arrangements still allow children to stay with people they know and trust.

Aboriginal and cultural kinship care models

Kinship systems are deeply valued in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We follow the Aboriginal Child Placement Principle and work closely with Aboriginal foster care agencies to keep children connected to culture, country and community.

Support available for kinship carers

Financial support and allowances

Caring for children can be costly, which is why we provide financial assistance to help with expenses. We guide carers through these entitlements so they can focus on providing stability.

Legal and government assistance

Many kinship carers find themselves navigating court orders and guardianship. Our role is to help carers through these processes and connect them with government assistance when needed.

Support groups and peer networks

It makes a huge difference for carers to talk to others who understand their unique challenges. Here at MacKillop, we connect carers with peer networks and kinship carer groups, which are part of our wider systems of support for foster carers.

Learning and development opportunities for carers

Training helps carers feel confident in their role. Many start by attending our foster care information sessions, where they learn practical skills and hear from experienced carers.

Common challenges in kinship care

Financial pressures

Unexpected financial responsibility is one of the most common concerns when it comes to kinship care. We provide advice on subsidies and can also arrange part-timecare to ease the load on primary kinship carers.

Emotional and mental health strain

The emotional load of caring for children who have experienced trauma can be significant. We support carers with counselling, peer groups, and regular check-ins from our staff.

Navigating court orders and legal systems

Court systems can be difficult to understand. We help carers interpret guardianship arrangements and connect them to the right legal advice.

When kinship placements break down

If for any reason a placement cannot continue, we step in quickly to find safe alternatives while offering carers the support they need during transition.