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Private fostering
Find out what private fostering is and how to tell us that a child is being privately fostered.
About private fostering
Private fostering is when a child under 16 (under 18 if they are disabled) lives with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more.
A close relative includes:
- parents
- grandparents
- aunts
- uncles
- step-parents
The law says that the council must be informed about all private foster care arrangements. This helps us to make sure that all children and young people are safe, happy and doing well and that they (and their carers) are given advice and support to meet their needs.
Contact us as soon as you become aware that your child will be staying with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more. The legal requirement is to inform us at least 6 weeks before the child starts living in the private foster carer’s home (or immediately if the arrangement is already in place).
Foster carers, or anyone else involved in the arrangement are also legally required to let us know.
Help and support for families using private foster care arrangements
Privately fostered children are particularly vulnerable, as the arrangements for their care are often made at a time when families are under a lot of stress. It is vital privately fostered children's situations are assessed to ensure their suitability and that the welfare of privately fostered children is actively monitored and promoted.
Once contacted we will:
- visit the private foster home and make an assessment of the safety and suitability of the arrangement
- take up medical, criminal record and referee checks on any adult living in the home
- ensure birth parents are kept informed and continue to be involved in decision making for their child
- monitor the welfare of the child and continue to assess the suitability of the private fostering arrangement
- offer support, advice and training opportunities to private foster carers
In cases where we do not agree with a private fostering arrangement we have the power to disqualify a person from privately fostering.
If you're a child being privately fostered
Find out, if you can, whether your parent or the person looking after you has told the local council. If you are worried you can speak to a teacher, or another adult you trust.
If you know of a child who is being privately fostered
Check whether the parent or carer has informed us. If not, let us know.
Tell us a child is being privately fostered
Contact Front Door for Families about a child living in a private fostering arrangement.
- 01273 290 400
- Refer a child or family to Front Door for Families
Tell us if you are worried about a child or refer a child or family to Best Start Family Hubs for early help and support.
Guardianship agencies, host families and language schools
You need to complete a form for guardianship agencies and host families.
Download the private fostering form for guardianship agencies, host families and language schools
Who else can notify the local authority about private fostering arrangements
Any one who comes into contact with the child and is aware that they are privately fostered has a duty to inform the local authority.
This may include:
- another family member
- teacher
- doctor
- health visitor,
- church leader
- friend or neighbour
By notifying us, you will be helping to safeguard a child or young person.
If you think you know a child who is being privately fostered, contact Front Door for Families.
More information on private fostering
For more information, read our private fostering booklet (PDF 532KB).