What is private fostering?
Private fostering arrangements are made, privately, between two parties for a child under the age of 16 (18 if disabled). This arrangement would be with someone who is not a parent or close relative, and is due to last 28 days or more
Private fostering is used as a form of childcare by parents who are not able to take care of their child on a day-to-day basis
The Children Act (1989) defines a close relative as a:
- grandparent
- brother
- sister
- aunt
- uncle (whether by birth, adoption or marriage)
- step-parent
None of these would be classed as private foster carers.
Private fostering and the council
- we do not arrange private foster care
- you must tell us six weeks in advance if you are setting up a private fostering arrangement. If we are not informed, you may receive a fine
- we will then check the suitability of the private foster carers
- in cases of emergency, you must tell us within 48 hours of the arrangement being set up
- we will make regular visits to the child to check on the standard of care being provided
- we ensure that private foster carers and birth families have all the necessary information and advice they require
- you must tell us when a private fostering arrangement has ended
Are you a young person in a private fostering arrangement?
Please see our introduction to private fostering page.
Further information
If you think you are in a private fostering arrangement, or know anyone who may be, or want some further information please contact our specialist team C-SPOC@southend.gov.uk or call 01702 215007 and select option 1.