Do you look after somebody else's child?
Help us keep children safe and support families - if you aren't
a close relative of a child you are looking after for more than 28
days you must tell us - let us know by calling 0300 123 5012.
What is Private Fostering?
Private fostering is where a parent arranges for a child aged
under 16 (or 18 where the child has disabilities) to be cared for
by someone other than a close relative for more than 28 days. It
does not apply where the child is placed by the Council, voluntary
organisations, or as a result of certain court orders.
The film Somebody Else's
Child: A guide to private fostering explains Private
Fostering.
Q: I am looking after my cousin, so that's not
private fostering, is it?
A: Yes it is. The law only defines close
'relatives' as grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts or
step-parents.
For further information, download the Council's Private
Fostering Handbooks:
What Do I Have to Do?
Any parent or private foster parent, or anyone else involved in
placing the child must notify Social Services and give details
about the child and the placement as soon as possible, preferably
at least 6 weeks before the placement begins.
As the parent retains responsibility for the child, it is very
important that the parent and private foster parent agree on how
the child will be cared for and how the placement will be
financed.
This is a Private Arrangement so Why are Social Services
Involved?
One of the aims of the Children Act 1989 is to ensure the
welfare of children, particularly when they are looked after by
someone other than their own families. As a result, where a child
is in a private foster home, parents and carers have to let Social
Services know. You could be breaking the law if you fail to do
so.
What do Social Services do?
Cheshire Social Services has a number of duties and
responsibilities in connection with private fostering. A Social
Worker will want to help you keep the child safe and well by:
- Ensuring your home and household are suitable to care for the
child
- Offering support and advice regarding looking after someone
else's child and how to meet the child's physical, emotional,
educational and cultural needs
- Assisting you in working together with the child's parents for
the benefit of the child
- Taking action if the care provided is unsatisfactory.
If you are involved, or likely to be involved in a private
arrangement and have not already told Social Services, you should
contact your local Social Care Team. If you are in any doubt as to
whether the regulations might apply to you, you should seek advice
from your local Social Care Team.
