Sam Turner

If anyone cares, as with increasingly many others, I'm over on @bluesky with the same handle (@samtrner) and expect to be spending more time there instead. Lots of folks from the children and families/education policy space are there now too... bsky.app/profile/samtrn…

Today, the @MetroUK published findings from our new poll which highlights the financial strain #KinshipFamilies are under this Christmas. 📰🎄 Learn more in the @metrouk: loom.ly/B4TuKyc

📤 Kinship care reform 🫵 More support for kinship carers in your area with financial support, clearer expectations for local authority assistance and the first National Kinship Care Ambassador advocating for families and working to improve outcomes for children.

A current parliamentary responsibility of mine is sitting on the Employment Rights Bill Committee, where MPs from across the House scrutinise the Bill's contents. Alongside Lib Dem colleagues, Munira Wilson and Sarah Gibson, some amendments I have tabled include leave provisions for kinship carers. Kinship care is when a child is raised by a friend or relative, other than a parent, thereby supporting a child who may otherwise be in the care system. Paid, guaranteed leave is important for kinship carers to provide this support during what is often a difficult adjustment period for the child. If passed, these amendments will provide financial security to kinship carer families, and direct savings for the Government by allowing kinship carers to remain in employment.

We’re really pleased that @SteveDarlingMP, with support from @SarahGibsonLD and @munirawilson, has put forward an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which would introduce an entitlement to paid employment leave for kinship carers – a key #ValueOurLove campaign call! 💛

In yesterday's parliamentary debate on support for bereaved children, @munirawilson shared evidence from our surveys of #KinshipCarers and called on the government to improve access to support for #KinshipChildren who have been impacted by parental bereavement. 👪 #ValueOurLove

Could you work with Blue Cabin as a care experienced consultant? If you’re 18 or over, and have experience of the care system, we’d love to hear from you. Find out more about our new care experienced consultant roles here: wearebluecabin.com/about-us/work-… #CEP #charityjobs

@WardellR @ADCStweets On behalf of the *extremely online* children's social care policy community, we thank you for your years of tweeting service before this point!

RT @FoundationsWW: 🔔Just one week to go until #ncasc24! Join us next Thursday for our workshop: 'Using evidence to transform kinship care p…

I’ll fight tirelessly for children in kinship care & the carers who love them — you won't be forgotten by this government. We are already acting, having announced £44 million to support carers at the Budget. We know there's a long way to go, we're determined to deliver change.

We’re pleased to see the government take further steps towards their ambition that, where children cannot remain at home and it is in their best interests, they are supported to live with family and friends in #KinshipCare. 💛 Read our full response 👇 loom.ly/rWhylXA

None of the above would have happened without the voices of children in care, care experienced adults, parents, kinship carers, foster carers and practitioners who shared their experiences to call for change. Today is evidence that you've made a difference.

Government’s children’s social care reforms deliver on a LOT of the recommendations from my 2022 review. The changes show this government is serious about reform. They are extremely welcome. Real credit to @bphillipsonMP & @JanetDaby 🧵 on the details! gov.uk/government/new…

More than 40% of kinship carers have to leave work permanently to care for a child in their care. I asked the Minister what consideration has been made to support employers across the nation to become kinship-friendly.

Great to join & thank kinship carers before the debate in Parliament. We need better practical, emotional, & financial support for children & families. I’m pleased that the government is taking action to address this & look forward to working with kinship carers across Portsmouth

Great to welcome the Secretary of State @bphillipsonMP to meet with #KinshipCarers in her constituency and others across the North East this morning. Really grateful for those who gave up their time to share their experiences and views to support the #ValueOurLove campaign. 💛

Feel really blessed to support kinship campaigners to have their voices heard today and meet with their MP. It was a hard hitting meeting with some really devastating stories from kinship carers who have been excluded from support including support 4 their children #valueOurLove

I am determined to give every child the opportunities they deserve, and kinship carers play a crucial role in delivering this.    Pleasure to meet with @kinshipcharity in Houghton to discuss their #ValueOurLove campaign and reiterate my commitment to kinship carers.

Every child should have a loving, secure home & #KinshipCarers do so much to support children and young people. 📺 Therefore yesterday in Parliament I highlighted how the Govt is supporting kinship carers.