What is Private Fostering

• What is private fostering?
• What should you do next?
• What information will you be asked to provide?

What is private fostering?

Private fostering is an option sometimes used by parents who cannot provide full-time care for their children. There may be all kinds of reasons why they are unable to do so. Some examples are if parents:

• have to be admitted to hospital
• go abroad for lengthy periods
• undertake full-time education lasting several years

If your child is living with someone else who is not related to them they are privately fostering that child, unless the child has been placed by a local authority or voluntary organisation or they will not be staying more than 27 days.

Parents should not, and usually do not, seek a private foster home for their child without a great deal of thought.

It is important that you tell the private foster carers why you are unable to care for your child and that they try to understand and accept these reasons.

All kinds of people are attracted to being private foster carers and may do so for a variety of reasons. Whatever their motives, private fostering means caring temporarily for someone else’s child. You should try to get to know the private foster carers as well as possible before making a final decision about placing your child. This will ensure that you have the best possible chance of choosing a home where your child will be happy.

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What should you do next?

If you intend to place your child with private carers you must give Children and Young People's Services at least 6 weeks written notice. If your child is already staying with the carers you must contact Children and Young People's Services straight away.

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What information will you be asked to provide?

We will send you a form to complete including:

• your name, address and telephone number
• your child’s name, date of birth, place of birth, ethnic origin and language
• the names and addresses of the child’s parents or anyone with parental responsibility
• the reason for the placement and the date it started or is due to start
• the length of time that the placement is likely to last
• the name and address of anyone involved with arranging the placement
• the name and address of the person with whom the child has been living
• the name and address of the proposed private foster carer

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