On the 4th December 2007 the government announced plans to introduce a kinship care allowance. This was supposed to bring kinship carers in line with foster carers. The BBC quoted Children’s Minister Adam Ingram, saying,
“Removing any child from the care of their parents is an enormous step with huge responsibilities and that’s why the measures announced today are so important.
“This strategy is a significant way forward for bolstering the support given to carers and the children they look after.
“The delivery of this strategy relies on a fundamental relationship between this government and our colleagues in local government and I want it to be a model of good partnership to help improve the lives of those in our most vulnerable families.” found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7126660.stm
Since that time Kindred Spirits have met with Adam Ingram, Social Services and others trying to find out more about this allowance and who will be entitled to claim it. There has in fact been much debate about the subject with no final conclusions being drawn.
In October 2008 Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed to include children with comparable needs as well as ‘looked after children’ into the scheme and the sum of £45 per week was to be paid. Firstly though there are certain criteria to be met. This is quite complicated and we are adviced to seek advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau. Carers need to be assessed by the Social Services before any claims for the allowance can be made.
On Tuesday 3rd November 2009 Dumfries and Galloway Council voted 13 to 5 against increasing the £45 to £75.