Private fostering
Private fostering is when a child under 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) lives with an adult who is not a close family member for 28 days or more, or if there is an intention for the child to stay with them for more than 28 days.
It is a private arrangement made by the parent and the carers, and in some circumstances is a choice made by the child. Parents continue to retain parental and financial responsibility for the child.
Private foster carers
A private foster carer could be an extended family member like a cousin or great aunt, a family friend or even a neighbour.
Close relatives or family members such as aunts, uncles, step-parents (by marriage), grandparents or siblings are not considered private foster carers. If they are caring for a child in the family who is not their own, they would be considered kinship carers. This is different to private fostering.
Reasons children might live away from home
There can be many reasons why a child isn’t living at home and someone else is required to care for them. These could include:
- a family relationship breakdown or divorce
- parents being subject to a custodial sentence
- parental illness (physical or mental)
- parental homelessness
- parents arranging for a child to be cared for whilst they work or study away
- children attending language schools where they are residing away from their parents may be privately fostered
Why Hampshire County Council needs to know about private fostering arrangements
It is a legal requirement for Hampshire County Council to be notified of a private fostering arrangement by the parent or carer of the child involved.
We need to ensure the child’s welfare and that their carers have all the support they feel they need.
A social worker will do this by completing an assessment of the carers including carrying out DBS checks, GP medical questionnaires, and character references.
When the social worker receives a notification, they have a duty to see the child, the carer and the household members within seven days to assess the arrangement.
Anyone can identify private fostering arrangements and support the carers or parents to notify the local authority.
Our responsibilities
The County Council will:
- gain the child’s views
- offer ongoing support and advice (not financial) to the private foster carer
- offer support and advice to the parents
- offer training opportunities to private foster carers
There is a legal requirement to see the child at three weekly intervals.
Parents maintain their parental responsibilities and continue to be involved in all decisions about their child’s life during the private fostering arrangement.
Notifications of private fostering arrangements in the Hampshire area should be made to the Community Response Team on:
Telephone:0300 555 1384