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.

For further information on Private Fostering please access CoramBAAF where you can access a briefing video 'An Introduction to Private Fostering' and further resources.

ST HELENS SAFEGUARDING CHILDPREN PARTNERSHIP PRIVATE FOSTERING PLEDGE

The following video/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