What is private fostering?

Private fostering is an arrangement between parents and someone who is looking after their child. 

If you are looking after someone else's child, up to the age of 16 or a disabled child up to the age of 18:

•  on a full time basis
•  for more than 27 days in a row, and you are not
•  the parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or sister

then you may well be a private foster carer.

Parents often pay the foster carer for looking after their child.  However, even if there is no payment, it is still classed as a private fostering arrangement.

The law insists that you tell your local council if you care for a child under such a private arrangement.

Examples of private fostering arrangements could include:

• children and young people living apart from their families
• minority ethnic children with parents working or studying in the UK
• children with parents overseas
• children living with host families for any number of reasons

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Why are Social Services now involved in Private Fostering arrangements? 

Every social services directorate in the country has a legal duty under the 1989 Children's Act to safeguard the well being of privately fostered children.

We must ensure that the child's needs are being met which means that they are:

• safe and well looked after
• healthy
• receiving a proper education
• being encouraged to reach their full potential
• keeping in touch with the people who are important to them
• living with someone who helps them value their culture and sense of identity
• properly supported when they become independent

Despite this, many private fostering arrangements remain hidden leaving children vulnerable to abuse and neglect.  This was highlighted by the death of privately fostered schoolgirl Victoria Climbie.

Please remember that if you are involved in a private fostering arrangement, and you do not notify us, you are now committing an offence and could incur a fine.

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How do I become a private foster carer?

You should contact us with the details of each/any child who is coming to live with you at least six weeks before the move.

What if I already privately foster but did not know that I had to tell Social Services?

You should contact us and let us know the situation.  One of our social workers will assess the arrangements you already have in place and will explain anything else that needs to be done. 

What must I do if I am planning to have my child privately fostered?

As a parent you must tell us of your plans.  You should do this at least six weeks before your child goes to live with private foster parents.  If your child goes to live with private foster parents because you have an emergency, you must tell us as soon as possible. 

What should professionals do if they are aware of somebody being privately fostered?

Professsionals such as teachers, doctors, health visitors and the Police who come into contact with children should make sure that we are aware of individual private fostering arrangement when they come to their attention.

Informing Social Services is not a breach of confidentiality.  You may even be helping to safeguard the welfare of a child.