www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Private Fostering - Parents FAQs
Index of Content
- What is Private Fostering?
- Who needs to know?
- Is my child in care?
- Do I have to pay the carer?
- What will happen when the Local Authority is told?
- What if the Local Authority is not told?
- What are my responsibilities as a parent?
- What are the Private Foster Carers Responsibilities?
- 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. 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.
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
Is my child in care?
No. It is a private agreement between you and the private foster carer, but we have to make sure that a social worker is involved.
Do I have to pay the carer?
You will usually be expected to pay the private foster carers for the child’s upkeep. It is a good idea to make a clear agreement about how you intend to help pay for your child's upkeep. The local authority does not pay for the child's upkeep.
What will happen when the Local Authority is told?
Wiltshire County Council’s Children & Families Team must check that the rules and regulations relating to private fostering are being followed. If it is agreed the private fostering arrangements are suitable, we will arrange for a social worker to make checks on the private foster carer and visit their home. We will visit the child regularly to provide support and advice to both the child and private foster carer, but also to ensure the child makes good progress.
What if the Local Authority is not told?
If your child is being privately fostered 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 your child and ensure their needs are met.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
You should act in your child's best interest and make sure that he or she is safe and well looked after. You should arrange to pay for the child's upkeep. You should talk to us about any worries you or your child has and you should keep in touch with your child and talk to them about why they are being looked after by someone else. It may be a confusing time for them. In addition, parents should also:
- Give written notice to the Local Authority
- Give information to the Local Authority, similar to that which the carers have to give
- Inform the Local Authority of changes in circumstances, including the ending of the arrangement
- Give information to the carers about the child, especially medical information
- Inform the carers of any change in address
- Work with the carers to make sure the fostering arrangement works well for the child
- Continue to take parental responsibility for the child and be available for any important decisions
What are the Private Foster Carers Responsibilities?
They must arrange for the child to have a medical examination before or soon after they come to live with them, arrange his / her medical and dental care and make sure that the child goes to school. They 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. They must also tell the Local Authority if anyone else comes to live with them 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.
Contact Details
Contact your local Children & Families Team for further information or to notify us of a private fostering arrangement. View their contact details.
or
By Post
Customer Care Unit
Wiltshire County Council
County
Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713000
