Caring for a child within a kinship arrangement can bring both rewards and challenges. Children may have experienced trauma, loss or disruption, and carers may need support to understand and respond to these needs.
Portsmouth City Council and partner agencies offer a range of services to support the emotional wellbeing of both children and carers. This includes advice, therapeutic support and opportunities to connect with others in similar situations.
Early support can make a significant difference in helping children feel safe, settled and able to thrive.
Emotional wellbeing support for children and carers
Looking after a child can be rewarding but also challenging. Support is available to help both children and carers with their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
This may include advice, one-to-one support, counselling, and access to specialist services. Early support can help children feel safe, settled and understood, and help carers manage day-to-day challenges more confidently.
Therapeutic parenting support
Therapeutic parenting focuses on understanding a child’s behaviour and supporting them in a calm, consistent and nurturing way.
Children in kinship care may have experienced trauma, loss or change. Therapeutic parenting support can help carers respond in ways that build trust, reduce anxiety, and support positive behaviour. This support may include training, workshops or one-to-one advice.
Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund
The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) may provide funding for therapeutic support for eligible children and families.
This can include services such as therapy, family support or specialist assessments. The fund is accessed through the council, and a social worker will need to assess your child’s needs and make an application if appropriate.
CAMHS links
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide specialist mental health support for children and young people.
CAMHS can help with a range of issues, including anxiety, low mood, trauma and behavioural difficulties. A referral is usually needed from a professional, such as a GP, school or social worker.
Trauma-informed support
Trauma-informed support recognises that past experiences can affect a child’s behaviour, emotions and development.
Services that use a trauma-informed approach focus on helping children feel safe, building trusting relationships, and supporting long-term recovery. Carers can also receive guidance on how to support children who have experienced trauma.
Support groups and peer support opportunities
Support groups give carers the chance to connect with others in similar situations.
You can share experiences, get advice, and feel less alone. Groups may be run by the council or local organisations and can take place in person or online.
Crisis and emotional wellbeing contacts
If you or a child need urgent help with emotional wellbeing or mental health, support is available.
- In an emergency, call 999.
- You can contact your GP, call NHS 111, or access local crisis services.
There are also helplines and online support services available for children and carers who need someone to talk to.