Kinship Alliance Australia

Kinship Alliance Australia is the new National Kinship Care Organisation. It was established in 2024 in response to the pressing need of Australia’s kinship care families for recognition and support, both financial and service-based. Children come into the care of relatives and family friends at all ages from birth to 18 years. Most kinship care is arranged informally by families, and attracts little or no financial support. Of the many stresses experienced by kinship families, the most frequently mentioned is financial stress/poverty.

The Alliance is inclusive of informal and formal kinship families, both Indigenous and non‑Indigenous, with all carer-child relationships (grandparents, other relatives and ‘family friends’.

The organisation’s purpose is to support kinship care families in need by:
– Providing information, advice and support services to kinship carers and children in their care, and
– Working to influence legislative and policy changes to ensure kinship care families are provided with necessary assistance.

Our Vision is a country that provides support to all children in kinship care and their caregivers as needed to ensure they can thrive and achieve their life goals.

Our Mission is to ensure adequate support for all Australian kinship carers and children in their care, and to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes that recognise and address their needs.

We work closely with the Federal Parliamentary Friends of Grandparent and Kinship Carers on initiatives to improve recognition and support for children in kinship care and their carers. Kinship carers from all States have participated in meetings with the Friends.

Kinship Alliance Australia is the only organisation in Australia that provides information, support and advocacy for ALL Australian kinship care families. At present, all staffing is voluntary. We seek to establish Kinship Alliance Australia on a sustainable footing, initially with a part-time Executive Officer followed by a social work position when possible.

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