FOI Request - Financial Assistance for Kinship Carers Legal Costs

Request 101003761339

Regarding the financial assistance provided to kinship carers for legal costs related to Kinship Care Orders within your local authority.

Specifically, I would like to know the following:

1. What financial assistance, if any, does your local authority provide to kinship carers to cover legal costs associated with applying for a Kinship Care Order?

2. What eligibility criteria must be met by kinship carers to access this financial support (e.g., income thresholds, means tests)?

3. How can kinship carers apply for financial assistance with legal costs?

Response 28-04-2025

1. Legal fees contribution for S11 is £700 for first child and £350 per subsequent child if siblings are placed together.  This is to be paid directly to the carers once proof of payment to solicitors is obtained.

2. There is no means testing but carers who are on legal aid do not qualify for the above as their legal costs are covered.

3. The carers would send us a copy of the solicitor's bill once they have paid it and the work is complete.