A private fostering arrangement refers to when a child under 16 (under 18 if the child has a disability) is looked after by an adult who is not a close relative for more than 28 days, as a result of a private arrangement between parent and carer. The child, therefore, is not in local authority care.
What are the circumstances?
Private fostering placements are usually arranged by the birth parent and this could be for a number of reasons including:
- children coming from abroad for education and/or health reasons
- children living with a family friend after separation, divorce or disputes at home
- teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend
- families who come to this country to study or work but find it difficult to care for their children because of antisocial hours.
Details:
The rules governing private fostering are designed to help protect vulnerable children who are likely to be cared for by other families.
The private foster carer must:
- advise us of their intention to foster a child at least six weeks in advance or, in cases of emergency, within 48 hours of the child’s arrival
- notify us when a child leaves their care, stating why and giving the name and address of the person into whose care the child has been placed
The birth parent/s must:
- retain parental responsibility
- provide the prospective carer with as much information about the child as possible, for example health records, dietary preferences, religion, and ethnicity
- advise us of the arrangement if the prospective carer has not already done so
We must:
- check on the suitability of private foster carers
- make regular visits to the child to ensure s/he is well cared for in a safe and suitable environment
- ensure advice is available to carers and parents
- observe the overall standard of care
A child can be removed from a private foster placement if there is reasonable cause to suspect that the child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.
Next Steps
We can only work to protect privately fostered children if we know about them so, if you know a child is being privately fostered, and you think we are unaware, please encourage the carer or parent of the child to notify us.
If you feel we have not, and will not, be notified of the arrangement, you should contact us immediately. This will be treated in confidence and may help to secure the welfare of the child or children concerned.
We can offer advice if you have any questions about private fostering.
Carers can ask us for help and support with looking after the child in their care. This could include financial assistance, local support networks or help with applying for state benefits such as Child Benefit.
Please see the flier targeted towards professionals. If you would like a leaflet for the public, please contact the appropriate area office.
Contact Details:
Referral and Assessment Team (East)
Telephone: 020 8461 7329
Address: The Walnuts, High Street, Orpington, BR6 0UN
Referral and Assessment Team (West)
Telephone: 020 8461 7050
Address: Yeoman House, 57-63 Croydon Rd, Penge, SE20 7TS