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Private Fostering

Private Fostering- Who’s looking after your children? Or are you looking after someone else’s?

A Private Fostering arrangement is essentially one that is made, without the involvement of a local authority, for the care of a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) by someone other than a parent or close relative for 28 days or more.

Under the Children Act 1989, private foster carers and those with Parental Responsibility are required to notify the local authority of their intention to privately foster or to have a child privately fostered, or where a child is privately fostered in an emergency.

In addition, teachers, health and other professionals should notify the local authority of any private fostering arrangement that comes to their attention, where they are not satisfied that the arrangement has been or will be notified. Any such notification should be made to Children’s Social Care by calling 0121 788 4300

1. Quick guide

2. Guide for children

3. Guide for Parents

4. Guide for private fosterers

5. Guide for professionals