Private Fostering

Private fostering is when a child under 16 (if disabled under 18) is looked after for more than 28 days by an adult who is not a close relative and by private arrangement between parent and carer.  Close relatives are parents, step-parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, brothers or sisters.  This is an important safeguarding issue and the general public, along with professionals working with children, are urges to play their part to help us ensure the safety and well being of children and young people. 

If you know of any children who are being cared for in the circumstances outlined above, you must call the Children and Families Service on 0300 123 5012 and let them know straight away.  Failure to do so is not only an offence, but could put the child's safety at risk.

More information can be found elsewhere on our Cheshire East Council Private Fostering pages or by going to www.privatefostering.org.uk or by watching the video Somebody Else's Child, a film developed by BAAF to raise awareness of private fostering.