Private fostering
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if the child has a disability) is cared for by someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more.
This includes situations where a child lives with:
- a member of their extended family, such as a great aunt or great uncle
- a family friend or a friend of the child
It is not private fostering if a child is living with a close relative. Close relatives include:
- grandparents
- brothers or sisters
- aunts or uncles
- step-parents (by marriage)
Private fostering arrangements are often informal. Many people do not realise that they have become private foster carers by agreeing to care for a child.
When private fostering arrangements happen
A parent may be unable to care for their child for a range of reasons, including when a child:
- comes to the UK from overseas for education or medical treatment
- is a teenager living with a friend’s family due to difficulties at home
- is staying with a host family while attending a school or college
When you must tell us
We have a legal duty to safeguard the wellbeing of children who are privately fostered.
By law, you must tell us:
- at least six weeks before a child comes to live with you
- within 48 hours if a child comes to live with you in an emergency
- if you already have a privately fostered child living with you
- at least 48 hours before a child leaves your care, and where they will be going
If you do not tell us about a private fostering arrangement, you may be committing an offence and could be fined.
What happens next
Once you have told us, we will arrange for a social worker to visit you at home within seven working days.
The social worker will:
- gather information about the child
- speak with you and other members of your household
- talk to the child
- visit the child’s parents where possible
They will also explain what private fostering means and what support is available for carers, children and parents.
The social worker will continue to make regular visits to check that the child is safe, well cared for and that the arrangement remains suitable.
Reports and documents
Read our: