As the preferred model of care for children who cannot live with their parents, kinship care is when a family member, close friend or other significant person cares for a child or young person when they cannot live with their parents. On any given day in Victoria, kinship carers care for thousands of children and young people across the state.
As part of the Victorian Government’s support for kinship carers, the Care Support Help Desk is now an ongoing service that has already helped over 4600 children, young people and carers access important documentation and get the support they need.
Kinship carers can also access the Carer KaFÉ, which provides a range of online and in-person learning and development opportunities to carers.
The Victorian Government is also piloting the ‘Education Support for Children in Care’ program in four locations, providing one-on-one tutoring for children and young people in care who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from school.
To better support the wellbeing of young people, the Victorian Government is introducing the ‘Pathways to Good Health’ program, which will involve a health needs assessment and health management plan developed for all children and young people entering care by mid 2025.
To learn more about kinship care and supports available to carers, visit: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/kinship-care
3 September 2024
To celebrate Kinship Care Week (2-6 September), the Victorian Government extends its gratitude to Victoria’s selfless kinship carers, who help keep families and community together during tough times.