Support for grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings and family friends caring for a child, and the child’s parents, to agree arrangements together.
Kinship care is when a child is raised by a relative or family friend because their parents are unable to care for them. It can be informal, or set out in an arrangement such as a special guardianship order or a child arrangements order.
Kinship care mediation helps kinship carers and parents talk through the issues that often arise, including:
Step one is a free initial phone consultation, where we listen to your situation and talk through who needs to be involved.
Step two is a separate MIAM for each person taking part, so everyone can be heard and we can check mediation is safe and suitable.
Step three brings you together for joint sessions, in person or online, or in separate rooms if that feels easier, with your mediator guiding the conversation.
Step four is a written summary of what you have agreed, giving everyone clarity about contact, roles and next steps.
Kinship arrangements often begin at a time of crisis, and feelings between carers and parents can run high. Mediation gives everyone a chance to be heard, clarify expectations and focus on what the child needs.
A 2025 feasibility study published by Coram found early signs that kinship care mediation can improve communication, clarify contact arrangements and help parents feel more included. Your mediator stays impartial and keeps the child at the centre of every conversation.
Where mediation concerns arrangements for a child, you may be eligible for Legal Aid, and the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme may contribute up to £500, subject to eligibility. If you do not qualify, our transparent fees are listed below:
* all prices are excluding VAT
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, family friends and anyone else caring for a child whose parents cannot, as well as the child’s parents. It can help whether the arrangement is informal or set out in a court order.
Yes. Agreeing safe, workable contact is one of the most common reasons kinship families use mediation, and your mediator will help everyone focus on what is best for the child.
Not always. Some kinship arrangements are informal, while others are formalised through a special guardianship order or a child arrangements order. Mediators cannot give legal advice, so we recommend speaking to a family solicitor or a kinship care charity about your options.
In most cases, grandparents need the court’s permission before applying for a child arrangements order, and attending a MIAM is usually required first unless an exemption applies.
It may be. If a local authority is involved with your family, we can talk through whether mediation is appropriate and how it fits alongside any plans already in place.
Where appropriate, and with the agreement of the adults involved, children can share their views with a specially trained mediator through child-inclusive mediation.
Not sure what to do next? Speak to our friendly team about your situation, explore your options and discover how family mediation could help.
