The Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) is shining a light on the invisible army of kinship carers in Ireland who are providing full-time care to their relatives’ children without any formal support. These unsung heroes, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even young adults, step in during family crises such as parental death, addiction, or mental health issues.
While the government pledged to address the lack of policy and support for these carers, the OCO is calling for urgent action and progress. Kinship Care Ireland estimates that there are thousands of families in this situation, with many more children in informal kinship care than in formal foster care.
One carer, Eithne, shared her story of taking on her grandson and the financial struggles they faced until learning about the guardianship payment. Despite the challenges, she highlights the positive impact on her grandson’s life and the need for better information and support for carers like her.
It’s time to recognize and support these kinship carers who are providing stable, loving homes for vulnerable children within their family networks.