Raising Awareness of Private Fostering

We want to raise awareness of private fostering so the children living in these arrangements get the support they need. Private fostering is when a child or young person under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is living with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more.  A close relative is defined as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother or step-parent by marriage.

It is a private arrangement made between a parent and carer. As a system of support we all required to notify the local authority when we become aware of such situations and local authority colleagues are required to assess the arrangement. 

Please follow the links below for more information:

1. Power Point Presentation Explaining Private Fostering & Who to Contact in the Local Authority
2. Private Fostering Section of our PSCP Neglect Practice Guidance 
3. Private Fostering Section of The South West Child Protection Procedures