What is private fostering?
Could you foster Patrice and Annakay?
We are looking for foster carers for Patrice and Annakay. Could you be their new foster carers? Why not find out more?
New Legislation
From 1st July, 2005 The Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations will replace the previous regulations concerning private fostering in England.
What is it?
Private fostering refers to when a private arrangement is made for a child under the age of 16 (or 18 if they are disabled) to be cared for, for a period of more than 28 days. This does not include children who are being looked after by the local authority.
Does this happen often?
Yes, There are probably over 10,000 children in the UK who are currently being privately fostered. Very often circumstances can arise where a birth parent feels that it would be best for them to make an arrangement for their child to be cared for (often temporarily) by someone else. For example, when a couple separate or divorce, or where a single parent takes up employment away from home or abroad. There are also children who come from abroad, for instance, to study and who are cared for by others whilst their birth parents remain overseas.
What should I do if I intend to foster a child privately?
You must advise your local council's social services department of your intent six weeks prior to the child coming to stay with you. If you agree to foster the child within six weeks you must notify them immediately. You must also notify again them within 48 hours of the child arriving of them having done so.
You must also notify your local council's social services department if:
You move
Any changes in your household take place (People leaving or coming to live or work in your home)
If any person living or working in your home is convicted of any offence
If any person is disqualified under sections 68 & 69 of the Act
and
Within 48 hours of when the child is no longer in your care unless you intend them to return to you within 27 days. Giving the reasons why the child has left you and the name and address of the person who is assuming the care of the child.
What should I do if I intend to foster my child privately?
You should inform the local council's social services department (local to where the private foster carer resides) of your intention six weeks prior to them being privately fostered. If the child is to be fostered earlier than this you must notify them immediately. You must also notify again them within 48 hours of the child being placed with the private foster carer of this fact.
You should provide the private foster carer with information about the child, including their health and school history, their interests, religion, dietary needs, etc.
Please remember that you will retain parental responsibility for the child throughout the time they are privately fostered. You should ensure that you participate in all the major decisions concerning the child and their care.
What does the local council do regarding privately fostered children?
The council will check upon the suitability of the prospective private foster carers and other members of their household. They will also check on people who work for them. They will also make regular visits to the child and offer advice to the foster carer/s. They will keep an eye on the standard of care the child receives.
What if I have not followed these requirements?
Recent studies have shown that there are quite a number of privately fostered children where these requirements have not been satisfied. On many occasions this is simply because parents and private foster carers did not know about them. If this applies to you please notify the local council straight away. It is VERY IMPORTANT that children in private foster care are provided with this level of supervision and protection.
What if I think someone is being privately fostered?
If you suspect or doubt that the notification to the local social services has been made you can call and advise them. They will not be able to confirm this with you one way or the other, but at least you can be satisfied that it will be checked out.
Private Fostering Legislation.
