Drive to raise awareness of private fostering

Wiltshire Council is asking people to get in touch if they think a child in their community is being cared for by someone who is not a direct relative, so they can be aware of the support and help available.

The call to action aims to raise awareness and to ensure Wiltshire Council is notified of all children in private fostering arrangements.

People who are looking after young people under 16 may also not realise they are private foster carers and the need to let Wiltshire Council know about the arrangements.

If a child aged 16 or under (or under 18 with disabilities) is cared for by someone other than a close family member (parent, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle) for more than 28 days, then they are deemed to be in private foster care.

Private foster care can be a very positive experience, but some children may be in a vulnerable position. Private fostering is arranged between parents and the private foster carer, and legally the parent and carer must notify the local authority so they can ensure the child is being properly cared for and can provide support where needed.

There are a number of reasons why children can be privately fostered. They can include teenagers living elsewhere because of a family breakdown, cultural exchange students, a child from overseas living with a host family while attending school, or overseas students at boarding school who stay with host families during the holidays, or any child whose parents have made a private arrangement for them to be cared for by somebody else.

Wiltshire Council offers support through dedicated staff in the Kinship and Fostering Team. A social worker will arrange an initial visit and speak to the carer and members of the household. There will be continuing support for the private foster carers and child and child's parents.

Wiltshire Council is particularly asking people who work with children to be aware of private fostering arrangements among the children and families they work with, and to notify the council - although everybody has a part to play.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "Some people may be unaware they are in a private fostering arrangement but if they are caring for someone else's child for more than 28 days then they should get in touch. It is a legal obligation to let your local authority know but also there is a wide range of help and advice for people who are privately fostering so they can be supported as they take on this important role of ensuring the child is safe and well cared for. We want families to come forward but also those who may know of a private fostering arrangement so we can ensure that support is in place. We all have a role to play in keeping our children safe."

To notify Wiltshire Council of a private fostering arrangement, contact the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 456 0108 who will advise on the support and advice available or email Integratedfrontdoor@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)

For more information visit: Private fostering