Private fostering

Private fostering is when a child under 16 (or under 18 if they’re disabled) lives for more than 28 days with someone who isn’t a close relative like an aunt, grandparent, step-parent or sibling.

A private foster carer might be:

  • extended family (for example a cousin or great aunt)
  • family friends of the privately fostered child
  • someone with no relation to the family who is willing to privately foster a child

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Common examples of private fostering arrangements:

  • children from overseas whose parents are working or studying in the UK
  • young people who have chosen to live away from their family
  • refugee children
  • children whose parents have made private arrangements for them to be looked after by someone else
  • children who attend boarding school and do not return to their parents during holidays
  • children coming from abroad to access education or health resources in this country

If you are a private foster carer

You must notify us:

  • when a child comes to live with you, either:
    • six weeks before
    • within 48 hours of the child arriving if arrangements have been made in an emergency
  • if a child is already living with you and you haven’t advised us previously
  • when a child leaves your care, at least 48 hours before
  • when the child moves on, with information about where they are moving to

You must provide us with:

  • relevant information about their privately fostered child
  • some information about yourself and other members of your household

A social worker will arrange a visit. They will speak to the carer and members of the household to make sure the arrangements are satisfactory for the privately-fostered child.

If possible, a social worker will also visit the parents.

We will provide you with all the information you need, including details of advice and support available to you, the child and the child’s parents

If your child is being privately fostered

You should:

  • notify us of the private fostering arrangement at least six weeks in advance, or within 48 hours of your child being privately fostered and at the end of the arrangement
  • exercise parental responsibility by participating in all decisions about your child
  • provide the prospective carers with as much information about your child as possible, including information about their:
    • health
    • dietary preferences
    • education
    • hobbies
    • religion
    • ethnicity

it is your responsibility to ensure that the proposed private fostering placement is suitable for your child.

Contacting us

Contact us either:

  • to notify us of a private fostering arrangement you're involved in
  • if you are unsure about whether you are privately fostering a child or whether your children are being privately fostered
  • for further information and advice

Phone: 020 8583 3426

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