About relative and kinship care

What is relative and kinship care?

Relative or kinship care is when a child or young person is cared for by someone they already know and trust, like a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend.

This kind of care is common across many cultures. In Aboriginal communities, “kin” may include extended family or people with strong cultural or community connections, not just relatives.

Being cared for by someone familiar can help children feel safer and more secure, and may reduce the stress of moving into a new environment.

Not every child has family or kin who can care for them. This is why foster carers from the wider community are also very important.

If you are a relative or kinship carer, you still need to complete an assessment. This is similar to becoming a foster carer, but may be adjusted to your situation.

Some carers may be eligible for financial support, depending on the type of care arrangement.

🔗 Financial assistance for authorised foster, relative and kinship carers

Already a relative or kinship carer?

You are not alone. All carers receive support, including:

• a caseworker from an accredited out-of-home care agency or DCJ
• access to training and learning resources
• support services and advocacy

You can also:

• join peer support groups
• take part in free training
• have your say through NSW Carer Reference Groups

🔗 Explore:

• DCJ's caring for children and young people site has practical, easy-to-find information on topics like education, health, behaviour, and supporting young people into independence.
• Carers for Kids NSW - at no cost to carers, delivers training across the state, including remote and regional areas, both in person and online. They host a range of events and workshops throughout the year, and their Carer Support Team is available to provide advice, information and support via phone or email.
• AbSec carer support website -  AbSec is dedicated to standing by our deadly carers. They offer a free Aboriginal Carer Support Service which aims to improve the information, support, and training opportunities for carers of Aboriginal children and young people in New South Wales.
• DCJ's Advocacy and support site -outlines what support and advocacy is available for carers, also provides information about specialist services available and how to connect with other carers.
• DCJ's Learning and development for carers site - provides information about training and development, including the Carer Development Plan—a personalised roadmap that supports your growth as a carer.
• Grandparent carers resources  (PDF 560.31KB) - being a grandparent carer comes with some unique challenges. You can find additional help and resources through the following services.

Types of relative and kinship care

Court ordered (formal) care

This is when a court makes a legal order for a child to live with you.

This may happen through:

• the Children’s Court in NSW
• the Family Court of Australia or Federal Circuit Court

When there is a court order:

• DCJ or an agency will support you and develop a care plan
• you may be eligible for financial support, including the Supported Care Allowance
• you may also access Australian Government payments like Family Tax Benefit

🔗 Explore:

• Family Court of Australia or Federal Magistrates Court under the Family Law Act 1975
• NSW Children’s Court under the Care and Protection Act. 

NSW Care Orders

If a child is at risk of significant harm, DCJ may place them with relatives or kin and apply to the Children’s Court.

If a care order is made:

• DCJ is responsible for case management
• a care plan will be developed
• authorised carers may receive the Supported Care Allowance (not means tested)

Informal care

Informal care is when a child lives with you through a family agreement, without a court order.

In this situation:

• parents remain the legal guardians
• they keep parental responsibility
• you may need their consent for major decisions

Financial support from DCJ is not available for informal arrangements.

How to become a relative or kinship carer

To become a carer, you need to complete an assessment.

🔗 Explore:

• Steps to becoming a foster carer

Rights and responsibilities

Everyone involved has rights. Sometimes these need to be balanced, which can be challenging. Support is available to help you navigate this.

Children and young people

Children in care have the right to:

• be treated with respect
• have their own beliefs and identity
• stay connected to family, culture and community
• take part in decisions about their life
• enjoy activities and opportunities

Carers and caseworkers help support these rights.

There is a Charter of Rights that outlines the general rights of every child or young person in care in NSW. Your child should have a copy of the charter. If they don’t you can ask your caseworker or agency.

Parents 

While parents may not be responsible for the day-to-day care of their child, they still have an important role.  They have the right to:

• be kept informed about their child (where safe)
• know how their child is going
• receive support to help their child return home to their parents, where this is safe and appropriate

Carers 

As a carer, you have the right to:

• be treated with respect
• receive information to help you decide on placements
• say no to a placement
• be involved in decisions
• make day-to-day care decisions
• receive financial support (where eligible)
• access training and ongoing support
• have regular contact with your caseworker
• make a complaint or request a review
• access your records
• be supported if damage or injury occurs during care (in some cases)

You may also be able to apply for parental responsibility after two years of continuous care, with the appropriate consent.

🔗 Explore: 

• Legal rights and responsibilities

Code of Conduct

Authorised carers must follow the NSW Code of Conduct. This helps create safe, stable and respectful relationships between carers, children, and agencies.

🔗 Download a copy of the:  NSW carers code of conduct (PDF 233.75KB)

Supporting culture and identity

Children in care have the right to stay connected to their culture, language and beliefs.

As a carer, you play an important role in supporting this.

Aboriginal carers for Aboriginal kids

Aboriginal carers are vital in helping Aboriginal children stay connected to family, culture and Country.

This supports a strong sense of identity and belonging.

🔗 Explore:

• Caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and young people- provides culturally safe, meaningful care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. You’ll find practical guidance on supporting a child’s connection to culture, family, and Country, understanding your role in their Cultural Plan, and building their health, wellbeing, and pride in identity. It also connects you with key supports, community resources, and real examples to help you feel confident in being part of a child’s cultural journey.
• Raising Them Strong booklet offers support for Aboriginal foster and kinship carers. It covers topics such as health, education, grief and loss, family contact and navigating ‘the system’ - part of the Raising Them Strong support package. 

Children from diverse backgrounds

Carers from different cultural and language backgrounds help children maintain their identity and connections.

When you apply to be a carer, you will be asked about your cultural background and languages. This helps match children with carers who can best support their needs.

🔗 Explore:

• Caring for children from diverse cultural backgrounds