Breadcrumb Trail
Private fostering
'Private Fostering' occurs when a child or young person is being looked after by an adult for 28 days or more as part of an arrangement between a parent and a carer. It only applies where the child or young person is under 16 years old (or under 18 years if they have a disability).
- If the adult is a close relative (i.e step-parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle) the arrangement is NOT Private Fostering.
- If the arrangement is made by the Local Authority, it is not Private Fostering.
When and why does private fostering occur?
There are many reasons that a child or young person may be Privately Fostered, for example:
- Problems at home mean a young person goes to stay with a family friend or friend's family
- A child or young person may come from another country for better health or education
- Parents may move overseas
Why does the local authority need to know?
There are a variety of reasons why the Local Authority needs to know about Private Fostering arrangements. These include:
- Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children/young people
- Ensuring the child/young person is receiving a level of care that is suitable
Responsibilities of parents, carers and professionals
Parents, carers and professionals have a legal responsibility to inform the Local Authority of plans to Privately Foster a child/young person. Wherever possible this should be done no less than 6 weeks before the arrangement is due to start.
In situations where professionals (e.g health visitors, teachers, religious leaders) become aware of a Private Fostering arrangement they should ensure that those involved are aware of the legislation and that the Local Authority is aware.
Notifying the Local Authority of a private fostering arrangement is a legal requirement.
It is essential so that we can ensure the safety of Children and Young People.
What happens next?
Trafford's Children and Young People's Service will work closely with the child/young person, their parents/carer and their Private Foster carer to ensure that the arrangement is safe and suitable. As part of this there will be:
- Visits to the home to carry out an assessment of the arrangement
- Views obtained from child/young person, parents & carers
- Advice and support offered
Who to contact
Our Multi Agency Referral and Assessment Team (MARAT) need to be contacted at least 6 weeks before the Private Fostering arrangement is to begin (but not more than 13 weeks), or within 48 hours (if the arrangement is following an emergency). If a Private Fostering arrangement is current then the Local Authority must be informed immediately.
MARAT
Trafford Town Hall
Talbot Road
Stretford
M32 0TH
Email: marat@trafford.gov.uk
Telephone: 0161 912 5125
Textphone: 0161 912 2102
Fax: 0161 912 5056
MARAT can also be contacted for further information and advice about Private Fostering without notifiying the Local Authority.
If you are unsure, it is important that you seek advice.
This page was last reviewed on 16 December 2009
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