Private fostering

If your child is being looked after full time by someone who isn't a close relative or you're caring for a child full time and the child's parent isn't a close relative, after 28 days you've legally entered into a private fostering arrangement and must tell us about it.

We have a responsibility to make sure the child is being properly cared for and will check with a regular visit from a social worker that the child is receiving the same care a parent would provide.

These visits give the child and the private foster carer the chance to talk to the social worker about any issues and to get advice.

Parents are also expected to visit regularly and check on their child's care. They continue to have full responsibility for the welfare of their child and make decisions for them.

Financial arrangements for private foster care are made privately between parents and the foster carer.

Contact us

Talk to someone about private fostering:

Page last updated: 03/01/2020
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