A lot of people I speak to don’t realise that private fostering is even a ‘thing’. That is totally understandable- it’s not a term you hear every day. But it is more common than people think.
So, what is private fostering?
It is when a child or young person under 16 (or under 18 if they have a disability) Is being looked after by someone who isn’t their parent or close relative for 28 days or more.
When we say close relative, we mean grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings or even stepparents. If the person caring for the child is say a family friend, a parent’s ex-partner or a host family that’s when it may be classed as private fostering.
This can happen for all sorts of reasons.
- A young person had a falling out at home and is staying with a friend’s family
- A parent is abroad, and their child is staying with someone here
- Or a family is hosting a student from overseas for a school term
These are all real-life everyday situations and there is no judgement at all.
Why is it important to notify the council?
Here’s the thing, private fostering is a legal arrangement and therefore you do need to let your local council know. That’s not because anyone’s done anything wrong- it’s simply to make sure the child is safe, well-supported and their needs are being met.
We also want to make sure you as a carer are supported too. Looking after a child long-term is a big responsibility and we’re here to guide you through it- not to take over, interfere or make things harder.
“But I didn’t know I had to tell anyone…”
If you’ve just realised, you might be in this type of arrangement already- please don’t panic. We totally understand that many people don’t know what counts as private fostering.
We are not here to point fingers or create stress. We just want to make sure you’re not going it alone and that the young person in your care is getting what they need.
What happens if you contact us?
If you think you’re in a private fostering arrangement, or even if you’re not sure, you can get in touch with me or one of my colleagues in the private fostering team for a quick chat. We’ll talk through and let you know if it meets the criteria. If it does, we will arrange to meet with you and the child, check in on how things are going and offer ongoing support.
Here are my top tips to help you navigate private fostering:
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Notify the council early
As a private foster carer, you should inform the council about your arrangement. This is to ensure the child’s needs are met and they receive appropriate support.
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Understand your responsibilities
Private fostering comes with important responsibilities. Make sure you know what is expected of you as a carer.
You will be allocated a worker from the fostering assessment team, who will assess your suitability as a private foster carer. This worker will also provide support to you throughout your assessment period.
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Be prepared for regular visits during and after your assessment
We would regularly check in with you, to assess the child’s welfare. These visits are also a valuable opportunity for both support and guidance.
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Build a support network.
Caring for a child who isn’t your own can be challenging. It is helpful to have a network of friends, family and support groups you can turn to.
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Stay informed about your child’s rights and needs.
Children in private fostering can be vulnerable. Being proactive about their emotional, physical and educational needs is key to their overall well-being.
If you think you might be involved in private fostering, or know someone who is, do not hesitate to reach out us for some advice.
Final Thoughts
If this post has made you think, “Actually, this might be me…” or “I know someone who’s doing that…” then you’ve already taken that first step. And we’re here to help with the rest.
You are not in trouble. You are not alone. And it’s never too late to reach out.