Looking after someone else's child: Private fostering

You have a legal duty to tell the Council that you are privately fostering a child.

You need to make sure that:

• the child's parents give you as much information as possible about the child, including the child's routines, language, culture, education, health and support
• the child is happy, healthy and safe, and that their needs are met
• the child is registered with a doctor, dentist and optician (if required), and is attending school
• you encourage and allow the child to keep in contact with their parents
• you reach an agreement with the parents about covering the costs of caring for the child and meeting their needs
• you tell your social worker about any changes to people in your household, if you move house or if the child leaves
• if the child leaves, you must tell the Council within 48 hours and tell us the name and address of the person who will be caring for the child

Who is legally responsible for the child

As a child's private foster carer, you will be providing a home and day-to-day care.

You have a responsibilty to safeguard their welfare.

The child's parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have parental responsibility and should continue to be involved in all important decisions that will affect the child.

What checks you need to go through

After an initial visit, the social worker will interview you. Wherever possible, they will also interview the child's parent.

The child will always be seen on their own by the social worker so that they can talk openly. 

All other members of the household will be seen.

There will be an inspection of the accommodation the child is living in.

You will be asked to make a declaration about circumstances that may bar you from privately fostering a child.

You and all members of your household over the age of 16 wll be asked to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) police check.

Financial support

The child's parents remain financial responsible for their child.

Financial arrangements are made directly between the parent and the carer.

You may be able to claim social security benefits.

Contact your local Benefits Agency Office for more advice.

If there's changes to your situation

You must tell the Council within 48 hours if there's any significant changes during the private fostering arrangements.

This includes:

• change of address
• if someone is joining or leaving your household
• if any member of your household has court convictions, or any other reason which means they may not be suitable to be part of a private fostering arrangement
• if the child you are caring for leaves your care

Support from the Council

It is our duty to make sure the child is safe and well looked after.

Once we have been told about a private fostering arrangement, a social worker will arrange to visit you and the child.

After this, the Council will arrange to visit you every 6 weeks during the first year of fostering, and every 12 weeks after the first year.

The social worker will consider the child's needs in the home, their education setting, community and with friends. 

They will make sure appropriate help and support is in place. 

Support from your social worker

Your social worker can help you if you're unsure about caring for a child under 16 years old (or 18 years old if they have a disability), by giving you guidance on:

• average bed time
• internet usage 
• health problems 
• family contact

If you're unhappy with the private fostering arrangements

If you are unhappy or concerned about any issues around child you are caring for, you should contact your social worker.

The Council will do everything possible to support you in promoting and safeguarding the child's welfare.