If your sibling is at risk of being taken into care and you would want to be considered as a kinship carer or if you already care for your sibling and wish to care for a new sibling, it is important that you approach the Local Authority the child resides in to ask to be assessed as a kinship carer. 

If you have been assessed and this has been unsuccessful, then it is important that you are supported to understand the reasons for this and given the information and opportunity to respond or appeal the decision. You may also want to seek your own legal advice on the matter. 

If it is decided that your siblings will live elsewhere, The Local Authority has a duty to ensure that you maintain contact with your brothers and sisters, if this is assessed as suitable and in their best interests. 

Taking on the role of a kinship carer can be a lot of responsibility and can mean a lot of sacrifices in your own personal life to care. The Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland (KCASS) can help to get the support you need to ensure that you and your siblings can stay together and that you as a carer can also have a life of your own. 

KCASS can assist you with any kinship query. They have a dedicated helpline which is staffed with experienced advisors who will provide financial, practical and emotional support, as well as signpost you to services in your local area. 

KCASS also provide training for carers and family events as well as consult with kinship carers on proposed national policy changes. KCASS also provide training and support to the practitioners that support carers to ensure they too are supported.