Not sure where to post this - kinship care?

[lostsister]

I don't know where to post this but this seemed like the best place to start.

Without going into too much detail, im currently looking into being a kinship carer for my brother and sister. I'm staying with them in their house just now and they have said they wish to live with me.

I just want to know if there is any chance at all that they will be placed with me. I'm 23 and I live in a completely different part of the uk, and I'm reluctant to move elsewhere as I know I'll need help to look after them and all of my other family live there. I work full time, would have to move to a different flat if they were placed with me, and would likely need some financial help to look after them. I do really really want them to be with me, but I don't want to tell them they can until I know with some certainty they'll be able to.

Their aunt (no relation to me) is also going to apply to have them. She is married, only works school hours, lives near enough to them that they could stay at the same school, has fully grows children and wouldn't need any financial assisstance to look after them properly. I feel like the only thing going for me is that they want to stay with me and that I am technically a closer relation.

How old are the children? Old enough to have a say in the decision?

They are 10 and 12.

You both will be assessed to look after them if you inform social services of your intention as if you are related to them and show an I test they have a duty to assess
You ? Who is presently caring for them? Does your aunt or yourself have any previous experience with caring for children/teenager ? When you ask possibly ask about parenting courses ask in regards to financial help also and get it in writing how they could help you ( as they do go back on their word at time) show willing work with social services

Without prying why are these children needing looking after.

If these children have been traumatised how can you meet their needs ?

What would you do when you met a partner ?!

Do you have a strong support network

What about having children of your own ?

These are all questions I would have though a social worker assessing you would ask so just putting out there for you.

Thank you sparklymarion for answering me. I hadn't thought about parenting courses or getting any intended assisstance in writing.

My dad and step-mum have just died. I am looking after them by myself just now and am trying to organise everything else as well. The only experience I have of looking after children alone is when my brother and sister come to stay with me, their aunt obviously has a huge amout of experience in comparison. I do actually have a girlfriend but we haven't been together for a very long time so I would not be expecting her to have all that much to do with them soon. I am also not particularly interested in having children for at least 8 years I would think.

It will help that you are
Looking after them now but I can't stress enough if you feel tour siblings will be better in your care work with social services as this will be in your best interest, be honest about your weaknesses but that you would always ask for help from your support network if needed good luck

Would suggest you contact www.frg.org.uk have professional links and support in this area and should be able too help and advise you.