A joint conference organised by CHILDREN 1st and Aberdeen City Council is to be held on Tuesday 4th November 2008 at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre. Kinship Carers play a vital role in caring for many of Scotland's children. It is estimated that more than 10,000 children in Scotland live with wider family members or friends.

Key themes and objectives of the conference:

• Highlight the valuable but difficult role of Kinship Carers
• Explore the local, national and international research and policies in relation to Kinship Care
• Highlight the specific issues Kinship Carers have to deal with which are different to those of Foster Carers
• Highlight ways to ensure that the voices of children and young people in Kinship Care settings are heard
• Discuss the ethos of Family Group Conferences within assessment and planning for Kinship Care

The event is designed for all those with an interest in kinship care. For further information, please contact Marleen Hardy on 01224 251150 or marleen.hardy@children1st.org.uk