Private Fostering

Are you a Private Foster Carer?

You might be a private foster carer without realising it. For example:

• If you looking after a friend’s child while they work away from home
• If your neighbour had trouble coping with a new baby and asked you to look after the baby for a few weeks
• If friends from abroad asked you to let their child stay with you while the child attends school here

For detailed information on private fostering follow the link to

www.privatefostering.org.uk

What is private fostering?

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a ‘close relative’. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, 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).

Privately fostered children are not the same as fostered children. They are not in the care of the state.
Although the arrangement is private, those involved in making such an arrangement have a legal responsibility to inform the local authority. All councils are then legally required to make certain that all children being privately fostered are being cared for by suitable carers in an appropriate environment. This is important to make sure the child is safe and that their needs are being met.

What do I need to do if I am involved in a private fostering arrangment?

If you are planning to take someone else’s child into your care for more than 28 days who is under school leaving age and not closely related to you, this is what you should do:

• At least 2 weeks before the placement begins you should contact you local authority in writing and explain what you intend to do.
• If the child is placed with you in an emergency, you must let the Social Work Department know within 7 days of the placement.
  If you are a parent who is planning to leave your child in the care of someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 days you should:
• Contact your local authority in writing at least 2 weeks before the placement begins and explain what you intend to do.
• If the child is placed in an emergency, you must let the local authority know within 7 days of the placement.

What will the Social Work Department do when I contact them?

When a local authority is notified of a private fostering arrangement, they are required to make certain checks, such as health and police, to visit the private foster carer and child in their home to speak to them and to speak to the parents of the child.

They are there to provide any advice or support you or the child might need while in your care. They will require certain details, such as who will be the main carer, where the child will be living, their health and school history, their interests, religion, dietary needs, etc. They will need to be assured that the child is safe and well cared for.

What will happen if I fail to notify the Social Work Department?

Failure to notify the local authority is an offence punishable by fine or imprisonment or both. Remember, the local authority is there to help and support you and to ensure the welfare of the child.
However, if the council thinks that an arrangement is unsuitable and the child cannot be returned to his or her parents, they will have to decide what action to take to safeguard the child’s welfare. This might mean providing support to the carer or, in rare circumstances, taking the child into care.

What do I need to do if I am a professional working with children or a member of the community who thinks they may know of a private fostering situation?

Please don’t ignore it. It is likely that everything is fine, but it is a legal requirement that the parent/carer inform their local council.

If appropriate speak to the parent or carer to check that they are aware of their duty to notify. Alternatively you can contact the council directly at the above numbers..

Specific information is available for professionals working with children on

www.privatefostering.org.uk

How do I notify?

There are a number of ways:

• Contact the Access Team duty worker on Tel. 01382 434350
• Write to the Access Team at: 11 Castle Street, Dundee, DD1 3AA
• Complete the notification form (click here)

Leaflets to download

Private Fostering - Reponsibilities for Local Authorities (1.04MB PDF)

Are You Looking After Someone Ele's Child (619KB PDF)