Developing and reviewing our local offer

We worked with families and professionals to make sure this Kinship Local Offer gives the right help to carers and children.

We worked closely with a range of partners and stakeholders, including:

  • Health services
  • Housing teams
  • Education professionals, including the Virtual School
  • Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations
  • Social care teams
  • Kinship carers, children, and parents

Kinship carers and families played a central role in shaping this offer. Through focus groups, surveys, and one-to-one conversations, we listened to their experiences, challenges, and suggestions to ensure the Local Offer is practical, accessible, and relevant.

The development of this Local Offer was informed by:

  • National guidance, including the National Kinship Care Strategy (2024)
  • Research on the needs and outcomes of kinship families
  • Local data and feedback from services working with kinship carers

Keeping the Offer up-to-date

We are committed to keeping the Kinship Local Offer current and responsive to the needs of families.

The Offer will be formally reviewed every 12 months.

We will also make ongoing updates as needed, based on:

  • Feedback from kinship carers and professionals
  • Changes in national policy or local services
  • Emerging needs identified through service data or consultation

We welcome your input at any time to help us improve this resource.

Giving Feedback and Making Complaints

We want to hear from you. If you have suggestions, comments, or ideas about how we can improve the Kinship Local Offer or the services you receive, please contact fostering@stoke.gov.uk or 01782 234555.

You can also speak to your social worker or family support worker, who can pass on your feedback.

How to make a complaint

If you are unhappy with a service or decision, you have the right to make a formal complaint. This process is governed by the Children Act 1989 Representations Procedure (England) Regulations 2006.

To make a complaint, please visit Stoke on Trent City Council – Comment on a council service

We take all complaints seriously and will work with you to resolve any concerns.

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