Private Fostering is a private arrangement between a child's
parents and
the private foster carer.
Children are privately fostered if they live with someone for 28
days or more or are placed with the intention that they will stay
for 28 days or more.
Private fostering applies to children under 16 years old (or 18
if they are disabled) and doesn't include arrangements made between
the child's parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles or step
parents. All other relatives would be considered private
fostering.
What should I do if I intend to privately foster a child?
You must advise Redbridge Council of your intent six weeks
prior to the child coming to stay with you. If you agree to
privately foster a child within six weeks you must notify them
immediately.
What does the local council do regarding privately fostered
children?
The council will check upon the suitability of the prospective
foster carers and other members of their household. They will
also check on people who work with them. They will also make
regular visits to the child and offer advice to the foster
carers. They will keep an eye on the standard of care the
child receives.
What if I think someone is being privately fostered?
If you suspect or doubt that the notification of the local
social services has been made you can call 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 is a private arrangement for the care of a
child between a child's parents and the private foster carer with
who the child lives. A child under the age of 16 (18 if
disabled) is privately fostered if they live for 28 days or
more with an adult who is not a close relative.
What should I do if I think I might be privately fostering
a child?
Parents, private foster carers and the Council all have a legal
duty to make sure that the private fostering arrangement is safe
for the child. If you are entering into a private fostering
arrangement you must tell the Council by contacting the Fostering
Duty Team on 020 8708 7528 or fostering@redbridge.gov.uk.
The Duty Team will take details from you and arrange for a social
worker to visit to discuss the private fostering arrangement.
It is an offence not to notify the Council of a private fostering
arrangement.
