Private foster carers
Private fostering happens when an adult who is not a close relative cares for and provides accommodation to a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) for 28 days or more, through a private arrangement between the parent and the carer.
A close relative in this situation is defined as either a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt. They can be a full or half relation and can be related by marriage. Relatives also include step-parents, but only through marriage.
See looking after someone else’s child (private fostering).
Support for private fostering arrangements
We have a legal duty to ensure that children in private fostering arrangements are safe and well. This is done through a private fostering assessment, carried out by a social worker, which explores any support needs the child and their carers may have.
The law says that we must continue to monitor the situation as long as the private fostering arrangement remains in place. We do this through regular social work visits and yearly updated assessment.
If it is clear it is likely to be a long term arrangement lasting until the child turns 18, we will speak with carers and the child’s parents about potential options to enable the carers to share legal parental responsibility for the child.