A new vision for all children living in kinship care families in Scotland
Scotland’s National Vision for Kinship Care, outlining the support kinship families can expect, has been published today (12 March) by the Scottish Government.
Kinship care is where a child or young person lives with and is cared for by members of their extended family or friends.
The Vision is informed by the lived experience of kinship carers, children and families, engagement with local authorities and partners and data, research and emerging work, including by CELCIS, and by consultation.
The Vision includes all kinship families in Scotland and aims to ensure that kinship carers and the children they care for are supported through joined-up, whole family support within their local communities. This commitment underpins the principles of Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC), the Scottish Government’s pledge to Keep The Promise of the Independent Care Review, and aligns with the Scottish Government’s central mission to tackle child poverty.
The offer includes:
- Listening to and amplifying lived experience: so that babies, infants, children, young people and kinship carers, have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and in how services are designed and delivered
- Support that keeps families together: so that families can access the right support at the right time, and that the support reflects their individual and unique circumstances
- Stability, fairness and equity: all kinship families should experience equitable support, regardless of where they live or the legal status of their kinship arrangement
- Skilled, connected and supported communities: kinship carers and practitioners need access to clear information, learning, peer networks and professional advice
- A co-ordinated and sustainable system: delivery must be underpinned by robust structures, resources and partnerships
- A national “first stop” for kinship families: Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS) will be the universal, nationally promoted route to clear, consistent advice
All legislative proposals within the Vision are subject to approval by the Scottish Parliament and may change depending on the outcome of Stage three of the parliamentary process for the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill 2025.
Writing in the foreword of the new Vision, Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, said:
“We have come a long way. Through the collective dedication of everyone involved, Scotland has steadily built a stronger, more compassionate approach to kinship care. The Vision honours the progress achieved, acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, and recognises the collective determination that has brought us this far.
“Today I am proud and delighted to share with you Scotland’s National Vision for Kinship Care and our offer of support for families. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and stable home, and kinship carers are a crucial part of making this possible – often stepping in at a moment’s notice to provide care, security, and continuity for children within their family and friend network.
“Research shows that kinship care is often the best way to maintain a child’s sense of identity, belonging and connection with their family and community. But we also know that carers face unique challenges: financial pressures, emotional strain, and navigating complex systems. That must change. Publishing this Vision and our offer to kinship families will make a difference but implementation is key.
“I acknowledge that there are financial and workforce challenges – some of which we are addressing through the new National Social Work Agency – but this means we cannot deliver everything straight away or at the same time. We must be realistic about what we can do. The Government is committed to working alongside partners and kinship families to produce an implementation plan with clear timescales, funding and sequencing of work which takes account of other major reforms, including those as a result of The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill 2025.”
Joanne McMeeking, Head of Improving Care Experiences at CELCIS, said:
“CELCIS welcomes the Vision and the real opportunity this brings to improve the support that kinship families receive. This Vision has the potential to ensure kinship care is recognised, and can improve the experiences of kinship families and the wider community.”