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<p>The department will launch a Pathfinder programme in 2024 in up to eight local
authorities to provide special guardian kinship carers, who care for previously looked
after children, with a financial allowance to be paid at the same rate as foster care.
This programme will be backed by an investment of £16 million in 2024/25 and the department
will explore expanding eligibility to broader cohorts of kinship carers and all local
authorities in the future, subject to the findings of our evaluation. Local authority
selection will take place this year. The department will also work with an evaluation
partner to make sure that the programme can provide robust evidence for future rollout.
The department will share further information on the Pathfinder in the coming months.</p><p>
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