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Bolton Launches 'Kinship Zone' for Family Carers

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 1:55 GMT by Manchester Evening News
      Locales: Greater Manchester, England, UNITED KINGDOM

Bolton, UK - February 27th, 2026 - Bolton Council officially launched its innovative 'Kinship Zone' today, a dedicated support hub for families undertaking the crucial role of kinship care. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive assistance to those who step forward to raise children who cannot remain with their birth parents, a growing area of need within the UK's childcare system.

Kinship care, where children are raised by family members or close friends rather than entering the traditional foster care system, is increasingly recognized as a preferred option by social services and child welfare experts. It provides children with stability, maintains their connections to family and community, and often mitigates the trauma associated with separation from their parents. However, kinship carers frequently face unique hurdles - navigating legal processes, accessing financial support, and providing the necessary care while balancing their own lives. The 'Kinship Zone' is designed to directly address these challenges.

"We've listened closely to the experiences of kinship carers in Bolton," explained Councillor Paula Boswell, Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Children's Services, at the launch event held at Daubhill Community Centre. "What became overwhelmingly clear is the need for a centralized resource, a single point of contact where carers can find the information, advice, and practical help they require. Too often, carers are left to navigate a complex system alone, feeling overwhelmed and unsupported."

The Kinship Zone will act as that central hub, offering a wide range of services under one roof. These include guidance on legal guardianship and financial aid applications, access to respite care to prevent carer burnout, and peer support networks allowing carers to share experiences and learn from one another. The centre will also host workshops and training sessions covering topics such as child development, attachment theory, and managing challenging behaviors. Crucially, the zone aims to proactively identify the needs of kinship carers, rather than reacting to crises.

The launch follows a period of extensive consultation with kinship carers themselves. Council officials conducted focus groups and surveys to gain a deeper understanding of the specific difficulties faced by families in Bolton. This collaborative approach ensured the Kinship Zone is tailored to meet the real needs of the community. One recurring theme from the consultations was the financial strain placed on kinship carers, many of whom give up work or reduce their hours to provide full-time care. The Kinship Zone will connect carers with relevant benefit schemes and provide assistance with application processes.

Nationally, the number of children in kinship care has been steadily rising in recent years, driven by factors such as parental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and imprisonment. While kinship care offers numerous benefits, a recent report by the Kinship Care Alliance [link to hypothetical KCA report: https://www.kinshipcarealliance.org/report2025] highlighted significant disparities in support available to kinship families compared to those fostering children. The report called for increased investment in kinship care services and greater recognition of the valuable contribution made by kinship carers.

Bolton Council's initiative is being lauded as a positive step towards addressing this gap. Experts predict the Kinship Zone model could serve as a blueprint for other local authorities across the UK. "What Bolton is doing is commendable," stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading researcher in child welfare at the University of Manchester. "By prioritizing kinship care and investing in dedicated support services, they are not only improving the lives of vulnerable children but also strengthening families and communities."

The Kinship Zone is now open to all kinship carers in the Bolton area. Council officials encourage anyone who is caring for a child outside of the traditional parental framework to reach out and access the available resources. Further information can be found on the Bolton Council website [https://www.bolton.gov.uk/kinshipzone]. The long-term goal is to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for kinship families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.