Toggle menu

Private fostering - a guide for professionals in social care, health and education

Responsibilities of professionals in other agencies

Studies show that local councils are often not being notified about private fostering arrangements, despite this being an offence under the Children Act 1989. When they are notified, it is nearly always after the fostering has started. It is vital that our children's services are aware of such arrangements so that they can safeguard and promote the welfare of potentially vulnerable children. Ideally, notification should come from the carer and parent, but education, health and social care professionals can also play an important role, as they are often the people who have the first contact, for example children registering with a local GP or moving into a new school.

It is only by working together that we will be able to make sure that all privately fostered children get the quality of care they deserve.

Share this page

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share by email