Kinship Care Australia started its life as a national kinship care initiative established by Dr Meredith Kiraly in partnership with Mike Feszczak, CEO of Grandcarers SA (South Australia). Grandcarers SA provided auspicing services for nearly two years, during which time New Zealand kinship care authority Katie Bundle was brought to Australia for a national speaking tour.
On 18 December 2024, Kinship Alliance Australia was registered as the national kinship care organisation, with the formal status of a Not-For-Profit Company Limited by Guarantee. The organisation’s Purpose is to support kinship care families in need by:
(a) providing information, advice and support services to kinship carers and children in their care, and
(b) working to influence legislative and policy changes to ensure kinship care families are provided with necessary assistance.
On 6 August 2026, the organisation’s name was changed to Kinship Care Australia – better reflecting who we are and what we do. Our Purpose remains the same – to support kinship care families and work for improvements to legislation and policy that supports their wellbeing.
A country that provides support to all children in kinship care and their caregivers as needed to ensure they can thrive and achieve their life goals.
To ensure adequate support for all Australian kinship carers and children in their care, and to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes that recognise and address their needs.
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Integrity. We are ethical in our dealings with kinship famlies, government and civil society.
Inclusion. We are the only kinship care organisation that includes ALL Australian kinship care families. Other kinship care organisations and and groups are confined to States or Territories, grandparent care families; formal kinship care famlies; or Indigenous care families.
Social justice. We campaign for Australian kinship care families to receive recognition and support in line with the carers of other vulnerable people, and with foster carers.
Collaboration. We work in partnership with families, civil society, government, the
Parliamentary Friends of Grandparent and Kinship Carers, children’s rights advocates, philanthropic trusts and international kinship care organisations.
Curiosity. We seek to learn more about ways diverse families and communities raise children, and how to make a difference.
Commitment. We know our work is much needed. We are determined to build the National Kinship Care Organisation and to achieve its sustainability.
