Private fostering
Private fostering is when a child or young person under 16 (or 18 if they have a disability) is looked after for 28 days or more by a friend or family who are willing to care for a child they do not know.
Private fostering is not arranged by social workers and the person looking after your child is not an approved foster carer. Close relatives such as parents, step-parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents are not classed as private foster carers.
Common situations for private fostering arrangements may be:
- Birth parents send their children to this country from overseas for education or health care.
- Children are living with a friend’s family because their parents are separated, divorced or there are arguments at home.
- Teenagers are living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend.
- Parent is admitted to hospital for long periods.
If you are considering having your child cared for by a private foster carer, it is important that you and the carer discuss why you want them to look after your child and what arrangements should be made if, for example, your child falls ill or has an accident. You should also discuss your child’s health and education and agree financial arrangements.
Do I need to inform anyone if my child is in private foster care?
Yes. You need to inform your local area children and families social work team in writing. It is a legal requirement to do so and you may be committing an offence if you do not.
Booklets and information
If you would like further advice about private fostering, download the information leaflets below.