What is private fostering?

foster children If 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 legal guardian, this is private fostering. The term 'close relative' includes parents, aunts, uncles, adult siblings, grandparents or step-parents by marriage.

Why might a parent may be unable to care for their child?

They may have be in hospital for more than 28 days.
They may have to live overseas for a lengthy period.
The relationship between the parent and young person may have broken down.

Private fostering is very different from arrangements made by the local authority for children who are looked after. Looked after children may live with approved foster carers or may have been placed with friends and/or relatives as part of a multi-agency child in need or child protection plan.

Private fostering does not refer to children who are placed by their local authority with independent fostering agencies. The confusion arises because these are sometimes referred to as private fostering agencies.