Carers claim there is 'institutionalised discrimination' against their children

On 15th April 2013, I attended the launch of the Scottish Kinship Carers Alliance in Glasgow's City Chamber. It was a very informative event with the findings of a groundbreaking study on informal kinship care presented by Buttle UK.  The launch hosted by the Lord Provost of Glasgow - Sadie Doherty - was attended by a range of politicians and policy makers.     

Scottish Kinship Carers, the majority of whom are grandparents, have established a national Alliance to address what they believe is the 'institutionalised discrimination' from Local Authorities and the Scottish Government against the children in their care.     

Speaking at the event, the Chair of the Alliance and Kinship Carer from Dumbarton, Anne Swartz stated: “We are sick of seeing the children in our care suffer without the basic support from Local Authorities. Kinship children are routinely written off and discriminated against while foster placements have access to a wide range of support and services. Enough is enough. We have come together to put a stop to this institutionalised discrimination and fight for the rights of our children.”   

As part of the proceedings, the Buttle UK, outlined the findings of their report called "The Poor Relations? Children and Informal Kinship Carers Speak Out". This is a detailed study on the impact of informal kinship care arrangements and the massive challenges that the carers group faces.  

Anne Marie Peffer, Buttle's Scotland manager, expressed her support for the Scottish Kinship Care Alliance and she said: “This report puts a spotlight on the huge personal cost faced by relatives who are bringing up a child. Kinship Carers keep children out of the care system and with family where they have stability and continuity., The children are thriving but we have been taken aback by the poor health they suffer and the severity of the financial hardship they are enduring. While scrimping and saving, unable to provide even basic items, they are saving the Scottish Government millions in care costs each year. We hope this report will help them get the recognition and support they deserve” 

The Buttle UK's report is recommending that a UK wide financial allowance for all Kinship Carers is introduced, that statutory services no longer turning away informal carers looking for support, and that policy and practice relating to kinship care are improved significantly.

Scotland's Kinship Carers were encouraged to develop a national network after contact with a vocal Kinship Carer and campaigner from Northern Ireland. Kinship Care Northern Ireland will work closely with the Scottish Alliance. The Scottish Kinship Care Alliance's  launch has been timed to coincide with negotiations on the new Children and Young People's Bill. Members of the Alliance want to ensure that they are included and heard in the Bill formulation process to make it as effective as possible for their children.

Useful link:

Scottish Kinship Carers Alliance - http://scottishkinshipalliance.com/national-kinship-alliance-launched-report-reveals-true-cost-kinship-care/