Kinship Care Week 2026 set to celebrate connections that keep kinship families strong
The Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS), provided by Children First, has announced the theme and full programme for Kinship Care Week 2026.
Taking place from 9-15 March, this year’s theme, Connected by Kinship, highlights the strong and nurturing relationships that help kinship families flourish.
The event also aims to deepen understanding of trauma and shine a light on how professionals and decisionmakers can strengthen their connection with kinship families, ensuring they receive the informed, compassionate support they need.
Throughout the week, kinship carers, families and practitioners from organisations across Scotland will come together for a wide-ranging programme of in person and online events.
Highlights include a visit from the Minister for Children and Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, and sessions providing expert insight into the challenges kinship carers and practitioners face every day.
The Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland - delivered by Children First, on behalf of the Scottish Government - provides kinship carers with emotional, financial, practical and legal support via their national support line and local community services.
In Scotland, over a third of looked after children (35%) live in kinship care, reflecting its vital role in keeping families together.
Linda Jardine, Director of Children and Families Services at Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, said: “Kinship carers are extraordinary people who step in to raise the child of a family member or friend, ensuring that children can continue to grow up safe, loved, and connected to their wider family and community.
“The theme ‘Connected by Kinship’ reflects both the strength of these family relationships and the importance of the professional connections that surround them.
“While kinship care can be a special and rewarding experience, many families face significant practical and emotional challenges. That’s where the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland, delivered by Children First, is here to help alongside the community of partner organisations across the country.
“When the right support is in place - rooted in understanding, compassion and trauma informed practice - kinship families can truly thrive. Kinship Care Week is a vital opportunity to celebrate these remarkable families; amplify their voices and ensure they know they are never alone.”
The Kinship Care Week 2026 – Connected by Kinship event programme includes:
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A national Kinship Care Week launch webinar hosted by Dr Suzanne Zeedyk sharing the science of connection and how to build strong attachment relationships with children
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Specialist sessions designed to support professionals and families, providing guidance around financial pressures and experiences of trauma-informed practice
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A collaborative forum for kinship care practitioners from across Scotland, featuring keynote speaker Dr Suzanne Zeedyk
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A ministerial visit where kinship carers can share their views directly with the Minister for Children and Young People and The Promise
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A dedicated day of storytelling from kinship families across Scotland
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A celebratory family day at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, donated by wildlife conservation charity the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).
View the full Kinship Care Week event programme here: Kinship Care Week 2026 | Kinship.scot
The Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland, delivered by Children First, provides free, confidential, impartial advice to kinship families and professionals working with them. Find out more about the service here: Welcome | Kinship.scot
In 2025, Children First supported almost 750 kinship families, building on more than three decades of specialist kinship care experience.