Understanding Guardianship, Kinship Care, and Other Ways Families Step In

Grandparent and family member reading with a child, representing guardianship, kinship care, adoption, and family support for children.

When a child’s own parents cannot look after them safely, several legal and informal routes exist for a family member or trusted adult to step in. Special guardianship, kinship care, adoption and fostering serve a broadly similar purpose but differ sharply in the responsibility they hand over, the support attached, and how permanent they are … Read more