www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Private fostering
Summary of Service
Private fostering is very different from the care of children by local councils through approved foster carers. It occurs when a child under 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) is cared for, and provided with accommodation, by an adult who is not a relative*, for 28 days or more, by private arrangement between parent and carer. The government wants to make sure that if a child or young person is going to be fostered privately, both their parents and the people who are going to be their carers tell the local council first, so that the council can check things are safe for the child.
* The Children Act defines 'relative' in relation to a child as a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt. They could be a full or half relation, and could be related by marriage. The term also includes a step-parent. A cohabitee of the mother or father would not qualify as a relative, neither would extended family such as a great aunt/uncle or parent's cousins.
Typical examples of private fostering arrangements
- Children sent to this country, for education or health care, by parents who live overseas.
- A teenager living with a friend's family because they don't get on with their own family.
- Children living with a friend's family because their parents' study or work involves unsociable hours, which make it difficult to use ordinary day care or after-school care.
- Children staying with another family because their parents have separated or divorced.
- A child from overseas staying with a host family while attending a language school, or overseas
- Students at boarding school who stay with a host family during the holidays.
Details of Service
Under the Children Act 1989, the local council must be informed about a private fostering arrangement. The council has a legal requirement to ensure these children's welfare is being safeguarded and to check on the suitability of the adults looking after them.
If you are planning to privately foster a child as a carer or a parent you must inform Wiltshire County Council's Children and Families Service at least six weeks before the arrangement begins. If the arrangement has already begun then you must notify the Children and Families Service immediately. You will then be contacted by a social worker from your local Children and Families Team who will visit and discuss the arrangements with you.
Contact Details
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
By Fax
01225 713145
| A to Z Names | Private fostering, Social services - fostering |
|---|---|
| Keywords | undefined |
| PID No. | 159 |
| IPSV Category | Fostering |
| Level 1 Name | Private fostering |
| IPSV ID | 4164 |
