Information for Parents, Carers and Families
Many people have heard of fostering, but fewer people know about private fostering.
Private fostering is different from children being cared for by foster carers arranged by the local council.
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they have a disability) lives with someone who is not:
- Their parent.
- A person with Parental Responsibility.
- A close relative.
for 28 days or more. A close relative includes grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles or step-parents. Private fostering arrangements are made between parents and carers, rather than by Children’s Services.
What is Private Fostering?
Private fostering happens when a child lives with someone who is not a close relative for an extended period of time.
Examples include:
- A child living with a family friend.
- A child staying with a neighbour.
- A teenager living with another family.
- A child from another country living with a host family.
Private fostering is legal, but the arrangement must be reported to Children’s Services so they can make sure the child is safe and well cared for.
Why Might a Child Be Privately Fostered?
There are many reasons why families may make a private fostering arrangement.
For example:
- A parent may be working away from home.
- A parent may be experiencing illness.
- A child may be attending a school away from home.
- Family circumstances may make it difficult for a parent to provide day-to-day care.
- A child may come to the UK to live with family friends.
Many private fostering arrangements are positive and supportive for children.
Why Does Children's Services Need to Know?
The law requires Children’s Services to be told about private fostering arrangements.
This is so they can:
- Check that the child is safe.
- Speak with the child.
- Visit the home.
- Offer advice and support.
- Make sure the child’s needs are being met.
The purpose is to support the child, parents and carers and help ensure the arrangement is suitable.
Who Needs to Tell Children’s Services?
Parents, carers and the person looking after the child all have a responsibility to tell Children’s Services about a private fostering arrangement.
Ideally, Children’s Services should be told before the arrangement begins, or as soon as possible afterwards.
What Happens After Children’s Services Are Told?
A Social Worker will usually:
- Speak with the child.
- Speak with the parent and the private foster carer.
- Visit the home where the child is living.
- Check that the child is safe and well supported.
- Offer advice and guidance.
The Social Worker may continue to visit from time to time while the arrangement is in place.
Will My Child Be Taken Away?
No.
Telling Children’s Services about a private fostering arrangement does not mean a child will be removed.
The aim is to make sure the arrangement is safe and that the child is receiving the care and support they need.
Most private fostering arrangements continue with support and oversight from Children’s Services.
What Support is Available?
Children’s Services can provide:
- Advice and guidance.
- Information about services.
- Support for the child.
- Support for parents and carers.
- Regular visits and welfare checks.
They can also help if circumstances change and additional support is needed.
What Rights Does the Child Have?
Every child has the right to:
- Feel safe.
- Be listened to.
- Receive appropriate care.
- Access education.
- Access healthcare.
- Maintain relationships with important people in their lives where it is safe to do so.
Children should have opportunities to share their wishes and feelings about where they are living and how they are being cared for.
What is the Difference Between Private Fostering and Foster Care?
Private Fostering
- Arranged by parents and carers.
- The child lives with someone who is not a close relative.
- Children’s Services must be informed.
- Parents usually keep Parental Responsibility.
Foster Care
- Arranged by Children’s Services.
- Foster carers are approved and trained by fostering services.
- Children’s Services remain closely involved in planning and support.
Worried About a Child in a Private Fostering Arrangement?
If you are worried that a child is not safe or is being harmed, contact Children’s Services straight away.
South Tyneside Children and Families Social Care
Telephone: 0191 424 5010
Out of Hours: 0191 456 2093
Report a Concern About a Child
Emergency
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
Thinking About Becoming a Foster Carer?
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer in South Tyneside, fostering provides children with a safe and caring home when they cannot live with their own family. Foster carers receive training, support and financial assistance.
Find out more:
- South Tyneside Council Fostering or call 0191 423 8500.
- Foster with North East is a regional partnership supporting people to become foster carers across the North East.
Key Message
Private fostering is when a child lives with someone who is not their parent or a close relative for 28 days or more. Children’s Services must be told about these arrangements so they can make sure children are safe, supported and well cared for. Most private fostering arrangements work well, and support is available for children, parents and carers whenever it is needed.