Northern Ireland has begun its first Kinship Care Celebration Week. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt attended events to recognise kinship foster carers. The initiative highlights relatives and family friends who care for children unable to live with their parents.

Kinship care arrangements are made by Health and Social Care Trusts. As of March 2025, 1,663 of 2,868 registered foster carers in Northern Ireland were kinship carers. This accounts for 58 percent of the total.

Minister Nesbitt called kinship care a fundamental part of the children's care system. He noted that kinship carers provide safety, stability, and security to children. They include grandparents, older siblings, aunts, uncles, and close family friends.

Nesbitt visited kinship foster care offices run by Belfast Trust. There he met social work staff and carers such as Thomas Spence. Spence has served as a kinship carer in the Belfast area for two years.

Spence said the kinship care team offers strong support. He added that the week provides important recognition and a chance for carers to share their experiences.

Eimear Hanna heads Adoption and Fostering Services at Belfast Trust. She stated that Belfast has the highest number of kinship carers in Northern Ireland. Hanna noted that these arrangements keep children near their families, schools, and friends.

Events take place across Northern Ireland during the week. They involve carers, social workers, and support services.