What Is Private Fostering?

Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by local authorities through approved foster carers. Private fostering occurs when a child under 16 (if disabled, under 18 years) is cared for, for 28 days or more, by an adult who is not a relative, by private arrangement between parent and carer. The child would not be one who is looked after by a local authority under the children Act 1989.

Usually a birth parent chooses and arranges a private foster placement. The following are illustrations of situations where children may be placed with a private foster carer;

Children coming from abroad to access the education and health services
Parents who come to this country to work or study but antisocial hours make it difficult to care for their children
Children living with a friend’s family after separation
Divorce or arguments at home
Teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend.

How Private Foster Carers Can Get Support

Private foster carers may approach their local authority for help and support with looking after the child(ren) in their care.

There may, in certain cases, be financial help available through “Section 17” assistance for children deemed to be “in need”. (Section 17 to the part of the Children Act which provides for such assistance, which may include a range of support services or, exceptionally, cash.)

There may be local support networks for carers.

Carers may be able to claim social security benefits such as Child Benefit and possibly Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance if in receipt of Child Benefit. Enquiries should be made to the carers’ local Benefits Agency Office.