Kinship One Minute Guide - Safer Caring in Kinship Families
For Kinship Carers and Special Guardians
Purpose: To help Kinship Carers and Special Guardians create a safe, nurturing home that protects children, reduces risks and provides clear, consistent boundaries.
What safer caring means
- Safer caring balances warmth and nurture with safety.
- It helps prevent accidental harm, manage trauma-related behaviours and protect everyone in the home.
Why it matters in kinship families
- Children may arrive following a crisis or distressing experiences.
- Children may struggle with trusting adults, understanding boundaries or feeling secure.
- Safer caring provides structure, predictability and reassurance.
Core principles for a safe home
- Use consistent routines that reduce anxiety.
- Set clear boundaries around privacy, supervision and safe behaviour.
- Make sure all adults in the home understand and follow the Safer Caring Plan.
- Use trauma-informed responses to behaviour.
- Consider the needs of birth children, visiting children and other adults.
Creating a Safer Caring Plan
A Safer Caring Plan can include:
- household rules and expectations
- privacy and supervision arrangements
- safe sleeping arrangements
- digital safety and rules for visitors
- steps for responding to conflict or allegations
Review the plan if household membership or a child’s needs change.
Everyday safety tips
- Store medication, sharp items and cleaning products safely.
- Agree rules for visitors, including private spaces.
- Avoid unplanned overnight stays.
- Keep routines calm and predictable.
- Use clear, simple explanations to help children understand why rules keep everyone safe.