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What is Private Fostering?

Private fostering is where a parent arranges for a child aged under 16 (or 18 where the child has disabilities) to be cared for by someone other than a close relative for more than 28 days. It does not apply where the child is placed by the County Council, voluntary organisations, or as a result of certain court orders.

Q: I am looking after my cousin, so that's not private fostering, is it?
A: Yes it is. The law only defines close 'relatives' as grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts or stepparents.

For futher information, download the Cheshire County Council Private Fostering Handbooks for children, parents, carers or professionals.

What Do I Have to Do?

Any parent or private foster parent, or anyone else involved in placing the child must notify Social Services and give details about the child and the placement as soon as possible, preferably at least 6 weeks before the placement begins.

As the parent retains responsibility for the child, it is very important that the parent and private foster parent agree on how the child will be cared for and how the placement will be financed.

This is a Private Arrangement so Why are Social Services Involved?

One of the aims of the Children Act 1989 is to ensure the welfare of children, particularly when they are looked after by someone other than their own families. As a result, where a child is in a private foster home, parents and carers have to let Social Services know. You could be breaking the law if you fail to do so.

What do Social Services do?

Cheshire Social Services has a number of duties and responsibilities in connection with private fostering. A Social Worker will want to help you keep the child safe and well by:

• Ensuring your home and household are suitable to care for the child
• Offering support and advice regarding looking after someone else's child and how to meet the child's physical, emotional, educational and cultural needs
• Assisting you in working together with the child's parents for the benefit of the child
• Taking action if the care provided is unsatisfactory.

If you are involved, or likely to be involved in a private arrangement and have not already told Social Services, you should contact your local Social Services Access Team. If you are in any doubt as to whether the regulations might apply to you, you should seek advice from your local Social Services Access Team.

How to Find our More about Fostering

See our special Fostering and Adoption website.