What is private fostering?
When a parent decides that it is best for their child to be cared for by someone who is not their:
- parent or step-parent
- grandparent
- brother or sister
- aunt or uncle (by blood or marriage)
If this is for more than 28 days, it is a private fostering arrangement and the parent or carer must inform Bolton Children’s Services.
The 28 days doesn't have to be all in one go; it can be split over 12 months e.g. where a child is cared for three days a week, over 12 months.
Examples of children who might be privately fostered:
- children staying with a friend of the family or the child’s friend’s parents as a result of separation, divorce or problems at home
- children staying with extended family such as a cousin or great aunt
- children staying with someone unknown who is willing to care for a child
- children sent to this country for education or health care by birth parents living overseas
- teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend
- children whose parents’ work or study involves unsociable hours, which makes it difficult for them to use ordinary day care or after school care
- teenagers who have broken ties with their parents and are staying with friends or non-relatives
- children living with host families whilst pursuing courses of study
- children receiving respite care provided by someone other than a relative
Private fostering is not arranged, or paid for, by Bolton Children's Services