Private fostering
Private fostering is an arrangement made by parents, or someone with parental responsibility, for their child to be cared for away from home by another adult who is not closely related to the child. It is not considered private fostering if the carer is a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or step-parent.
Children and teenagers under the age of 16 (or 18, if disabled) are considered to be privately fostered if they live with someone who is not a close relative, for 28 consecutive days or more.
The law states that parents and carers must notify Wiltshire Council's children's services department of any private fostering before the arrangement begins. If the arrangement has already begun we must be notified immediately. You will then be contacted by a social worker who will visit and discuss the arrangements with you. Children's services must make sure the child is safe, healthy and happy, and offer support and advice to private foster carers and parents where needed.
Teachers, health, and other professionals, have a responsibility to notify Wiltshire Council's children's services of any private fostering arrangement that comes to their attention.
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