A private fostering arrangement is one made privately, without Local Authority involvement, for a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) who is cared for by someone who is not a parent or close relative for 28 days or more. The 28 days do not need to be consecutive. For example, if a child stays with someone during the week and returns home at weekends, this can still be considered private fostering because that person holds the primary care role for more than 28 days in total
A relative is defined in the Children Act 1989 as a grandparent, uncle, or aunt (whether by full-blood, half-blood or by marriage or civil partnership), sibling or step-parent. Privately fostered children are a diverse and sometimes vulnerable group which may include:
- Children sent from abroad to stay with another family, usually to improve their educational opportunities.
- Asylum-seeking and refugee children.
- Teenagers who, having broken ties with their parents, are staying in short-term arrangements with friends or other non-relatives.
- Children who stay with another family whilst their parents are in hospital, prison or serving overseas in the armed forces.
- Children and young people staying with any type of host family, for language learning, education, sports, cultural programmes, or similar reasons.
When to refer to Private Fostering
Under the Children Act 1989, private foster carers and those with Parental Responsibility must notify the local authority of their intention to privately foster, at least six weeks before the arrangement begins. Notification is also required immediately where a child becomes privately fostered in an emergency.
Teachers, health practitioners, and other professionals must notify the local authority of any private fostering arrangement that comes to their attention where they are not satisfied that the parent or carer has notified or will notify, including when they become aware of a proposed arrangement that is likely to meet private fostering requirements
Notifying Children's Social Care
To notify Oldham Children Social Care of the arrangement, you can call MASH on 0161 770 7777
It is the duty of every local authority to satisfy itself that the welfare of the children who are privately fostered within their area is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted. The local authority must also arrange to visit privately fostered children at regular intervals.
Read more on the Oldham Council website about private fostering
Watch Someone Else's Child - A film about private fostering.
Kinship Local Offer
Oldham Councils approach to Supporting and Promoting the Needs of Children and Young People Living With Family and Friends Carers
Also, the reform bases itself on the National Panel National Review
National Resources
Coram BAFF Adoption and Fostering Academy
GOV.UK - looking after someone else's child
Local Resources
A3-Poster-Private-Fostering.pdf
private fostering 7 minute briefing pdf
Private Fostering presentation.pptx
Private Fostering flow chart.docx