Kinship Care Week shines a spotlight on family carers as over 800 Devon children are being raised and supported by relatives and family friends.
During Kinship Care Week, from 5 to 11 October 2026, we would like to recognise and celebrate the vital role kinship carers play in the lives of children and young people across Devon.
Watch our short film celebrating the vital role kinship carers play in children’s lives.
Kinship care is when a child is cared for by a relative including grandparents, aunts, uncles and older siblings; family friends, or someone with a strong existing relationship. By remaining with people they know and trust, children can continue to feel connected to familiar people and places, while maintaining ties to their culture and family traditions.
Every day, kinship carers across Devon provide essential support and a nurturing environment, often stepping into caring roles unexpectedly to help children when their parents cannot.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Kinship carers make an enormous difference to the lives of children and young people across Devon. By providing loving and stable homes, they help children stay connected to their families, communities and support networks during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. This continuity offers children a sense of belonging allowing them to look to the future and continue to thrive.
“We’d like to take the opportunity of Kinship Care Week to recognise the commitment of all carers across the region, and to thank them for everything they do for Devon’s children.”
Sandra Carnall, Head of Service for Fostering and Kinship Care at Devon County Council, said:
“We recognise the remarkable commitment and invaluable support provided to children and young people by kinship carers, who often take on caring responsibilities at short notice. They offer stability, consistency and security for children at a time when they most need to feel connected to their family, culture and community.
We understand that caring for children from your family and friends network can be challenging. We are able to offer a range of support including financial assistance where eligible, professional training, access to specialist services and local networks, together with advice about the financial support that may be available. If you are caring for a child within your family or friendship network, or are considering doing so, help and guidance are available.”
To learn more about kinship care, connected care or fostering in Devon, visit the Fostering Devon website or call 0345 155 1077.
To find out more about Kinship Care Week, visit the Kinship website.