Private Fostering

Information on Private Fostering, including the law, responsibilities for carers and birth parents and information for professionals.

Helping us to safeguard children

Private Fostering Week 20 - 26 February

What is Private Fostering?

• Private fostering occurs when a child or young person under 16 (18 if disabled) is cared for and provided with accommodation for more than 28 days, by an adult who is not their parent or a close relative.

A child or young person is defined as being privately fostered if they are:

• under the age of 16 (or 18 if disabled) and
• cared for and accommodated by someone other than a parent or close relative and
• the arrangement has been in place for more than 28 days.

Close relatives are defined as:

• step-parents,
• grandparents,
• brothers or sisters,
• aunts or uncles (whether full blood, half blood or by marriage).

For more information click on the links below:

• What the law says.
  
• What private foster carers need to do
  
• What birth parents need to do
  
• What we will do
  
• Information for Professionals
  
• Examples of private fostering
  
• Contact Details