Kinship Care First Supports

The Kinship Care First Supports program is focused on supporting children in statutory kinship placements.

Kinship placements are eligible to receive the First Supports program where the placement has been endorsed by child protection – through their endorsement of a preliminary (Part A) assessment – and child protection has assessed that the placement is expected to last at least three months.

The First Supports program is made up of two primary elements: kinship assessment and brokerage and family services. These elements may be delivered concurrently or sequentially. 

The kinship assessment will provide a holistic view of the current and ongoing needs of the child and the kinship carer.

A kinship carer may continue to access First Supports from the agency anytime within 12 months of the placement commencing.

Family Services support will seek to enhance family capability and parenting skills, and improving relationships between the child, parents and caregivers. Family Services support also help to promote safety, stability and development of children and young people, and enhance social connectedness.