www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Private Fostering - Carers FAQs
Index of Content
- What is Private Fostering?
- Who needs to know?
- What do private foster carers need to tell the Local Authority?
- Does this mean the child is in care?
- Will I get paid?
- What will happen when the Local Authority is told?
- Can anyone stop me being a Private Foster Carer?
- What if the Local Authority is not told?
- What are the Private Foster Carers Responsibilities?
- If there are any changes in my situation do I need to tell the Local Authority?
- Contact Details
What is Private Fostering?
Private Fostering is a private agreement between a parent and another
adult to care for a child or young person for 28 days or more in the foster carer’s home. Private fostering
is arranged and agreed by a child’s parents and the person or family who will be caring for the child.
The other adult is not a relative of the child like an uncle or a grandparent and has no parental responsibility.
It only applies to children under 16 or 18 if the young person is disabled. A common
example of private fostering is a child living with a friend’s family as a result of parental separation,
divorce or arguments.
Who needs to know?
The law says that the Local Authority must be told so that we can make sure that the child is well cared for. There are special rules and regulations about how children are looked after, even if it is a private arrangement. These also cover who can care for a child. People involved in private fostering arrangements must inform the Local Authority within the following time-scales:
- If the child/young person is not yet living with the private foster carers this needs to be six weeks beforehand
- If the child will move in with the private foster carers in less than six weeks this needs to be done immediately
- If the child is already living with the private foster carers this also needs to be done immediately
What do private foster carers need to tell the Local Authority?
We need information including:
- personal details of the child
- the name and address of the person giving notice
- the name and address of the private foster carer
- the names of everyone aged over 16 living in the home of the private foster carer
Does this mean the child is in care?
No. It is a private agreement between you and the parent, but we have to make sure that a social worker is involved.
Will I get paid?
The parent should arrange to pay you for the upkeep of the child. Any financial arrangements are the responsibility of the parent and you. You may find it helpful to have a written agreement with the parent of the child
What will happen when the Local Authority is told?
The local authority has a duty to satisfy themselves that the welfare of privately fostered children is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted. They will:
- Make regular visits to make sure that children are safe and well cared for
- Check different aspects of the private fostering arrangement to make sure that the arrangement is a suitable one, including carrying out checks on the private foster carers and their premises
- Provide the necessary advice to private foster carers
The Local Authority does not approve private foster carers but:
- They have the power to stop a person from private fostering if the carer or the accommodation is not suitable.
- If they consider something is not satisfactory, they can make the carer take action to sort out the problem, for example, by installing fire guards or smoke alarms.
The child's welfare is the most important thing and the social worker will continue to be involved while the child is with you.
Can anyone stop me being a Private Foster Carer?
The child's welfare is paramount. If during the assessment process social services feel that the arrangements are not suitable or meeting the child's needs then we may need to look at alternative arrangements for caring for the child.
If during visits to the home to monitor the placement, the social worker feels that the placement is not suitable then extra support may be offered. However, if the child is not looked after properly we can stop you fostering.
What if the Local Authority is not told?
If you are privately fostering a child and you have forgotten to tell us, don't worry. It is never too late. Get in touch with us as soon as you can. If you do not tell us, it means that we cannot support the child and ensure their needs are met.
What are the Private Foster Carers Responsibilities?
You must arrange for the child to have a medical examination before or soon after they come to live with you, arrange his/her medical and dental care and make sure that the child goes to school. You must offer the child a safe and loving place to live and help the child keep in touch with their own family and a social worker. You must make sure that any religious or cultural needs are met. You must also tell the Local Authority if anyone else comes to live with then and when the child leaves their care, stating why and giving the name and address of the person into whose care the child has been moved.
If there are any changes in my situation do I need to tell the Local Authority?
Yes. You need to tell us about significant changes during the private fostering arrangements within 48 hours. This may include:
- If you change address;
- If someone is joining or leaving your household;
- If any member of the household has court convictions, disqualifications from fostering or limits on how many you can foster;
- If the privately fostered child dies.
Contact Details
For further information or to notify us of a private fostering arrangement contact
By Post
Customer Care Unit
Wiltshire County Council
County
Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
By Email
customercare@wiltshire.gov.uk
By Telephone
01225 713000
