Private Fostering

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a 'close relative'. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/affinity).

Someone you know may have someone else’s child living with them. There are different reasons as to why they may have been asked to look after the child. Advice and information about Private Fostering can be found on the dedicated website called Somebody Else's Child. There are also resources for people who work with children in the education and health sectors.