Private Fostering

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) has a private care arrangement between their parent and a carer.

A private fostering carer is someone who is not their parent or a 'close relative'. The private arrangement can be for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/affinity).

There is a legal requirement that the Local Authority must be informed as they have a duty of care to ensure that the welfare of the child is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted.

ST HELENS SAFEGUARDING CHILDPREN PARTNERSHIP PRIVATE FOSTERING PLEDGE

The following leaflets provide further information on the role of private fostering:

PRIVATE FOSTERING: Information and Advice for children and young people living with a host family

PRIVATE FOSTERING: Information and Advice for parents

PRIVATE FOSTERING: Looking After Someone Else's Child? Find out if you are a private foster carer.

PRIVATE FOSTERING: A Guide for Children & Young People