Safety guidance for anyone in a caring role — whether you look after a relative's child, have a kinship arrangement, or provide informal care. Practical steps to protect children in your care.
If you care for a child who is not your own — whether through a kinship arrangement, as a family friend, or in another caring capacity — you have a responsibility to keep them safe. This guide covers the essentials of online and offline safety, tailored to the unique position carers are in. You may not always know a child's full history, but you can still provide a safe and supportive environment.
Carers often step in during times of disruption or difficulty in a child's life. Children in these situations may be more vulnerable to online risks, more likely to seek validation from strangers online, or less confident about speaking up when something goes wrong. Understanding safety basics helps you provide stability and protection when children need it most.