What is private fostering?
Private fostering occurs when a child or young person under 16
years (or 18 if the child is disabled) is looked after for 28 days
or more by someone who is not a close relative, parent or guardian.
The term 'close relative' includes parents, step-parents, aunts,
uncles or grandparents.
Private fostering is very different from arrangements made by
the local authority for children who are 'looked after' and living
with approved foster carers. Private fostering is a private
arrangement made by parents (or those with parental responsibility)
for someone to care for their child because they are unable to do
so.
There are many reasons why a parent may be unable to care for
their child, such as:
- the parent has been admitted to hospital and will be in
hospital for more than 28 days
- the parent has to live overseas for a lengthy period
- the relationship between the parent and young person has broken
down.
What the law says about private fostering
The child's parents, private foster carer, or anyone else
involved in setting up the private fostering arrangement are
legally required to inform Children's Social Services that the
child is being privately fostered. Children's Social Services
should be informed as soon as possible, and ideally at least six
weeks before the arrangement begins.
Because a parent is still responsible for their chiild when they
are in a private fostering arrangement, it is really important that
the parent and private foster carer agree how the child will be
cared for and what the financial arrangements for the placement
will be. Kent County Council does not provide any financial support
for private fostering.
Why do Children's Social Services need to be involved and what
will they do?
Children's Social Services are legally required to safeguard the
wellbeing of privately fostered children. Once involved, they can
work with parents and carers to makes sure the child's needs are
properly met and that the best possible arrangements are in place.
They will:
- Assess the arrangement and decide if it is suitable
- Visit the child regularly and see them on their own
- Offer support and advice to the child, the child's parents, and
the private foster carer
How can I find out more about private fostering?
You can find out more by contacting Children's Social Services
on 08458 247 100, or you can download the
following information leaflets.
A general private fostering leaflet is available in the
following
languages.
If you would like these leaflets in another format please
contact Lisa Oliphant, Strategy, Policy and Performance, Room 2.65,
Sessions House, County Hall, Maidstone, ME14 1XQ, tel: 01622
694533, fax: 01622 694186 or email
lisa.oliphant@kent.gov.uk. |