Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is looked after for 28 days or more by someone who is not their parent or a close relative.
The private fostering arrangement is made between the parent and carer. A close relative is defined by the Children Act as a step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt.
The birth parent keeps full parental responsibility for the child and making of all decisions in respect of the child.
More information can be found in the leaflet called “Do You Look After Someone Else’s Child?” in the publications section.
Examples of private fostering include:
- children sent from abroad to stay with another family
- children on a holiday exchange or living with host families while studying
- teenagers staying with friends after severing their family ties
Notifying your local council
The law requires you as a private foster carer to tell your local council of a private fostering agreement at least 6 weeks before the arrangement or within 48 hours of the child’s arrival if it is an emergency placement.
You also have to inform us when the child leaves your care, providing details of the person into whose care the child has been placed.
Professional’s Duties
Professionals in education, health and social care play an important role in identifying private fostering arrangements and getting key messages to carers and parents who might not be aware of their responsibilities.
If you know that a child is being privately fostered, and you think we are unaware, encourage the parent or carer to contact us or contact us directly.
You can call us on 01253 477668, other ways to contact us are on the right of this page.
For more information please see the “What is Your Role? Private Foster Care” leaflet in the publications section.
Local Council Duties
We have a duty to safeguard all children and this includes the regulation of private fostering arrangements to make sure that children are suitably cared for. We will make visits to the child, keep an eye on the standard of care the child receives and offer advice to the foster carer/s.
Support for Private Foster Carers
We can offer support to private foster carers, which can take various forms.
For further information of support available to you please call us on 01253 477668, other ways to contact us are on the right of this page.
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