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Notice: The Council Tax and Council Tax Recovery lines will be closed Wednesday 27th May 2026 due to Team training. Our phone lines will be open as normal on 28th May 2026

We are currently experiencing problems with our phone lines. 

We are trying to resolve this issue as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience. 

 

Private Fostering - Caring for someone else's child

Are you looking after someone else's child? This could be Private Fostering.

Private fostering info

What is Private Fostering? Who arranges Private Fostering? What happens next?

What is Private Fostering?

Private Fostering happens when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is being looked after in the home of someone who is not a close relative or guardian for more than 28 days. Private fostering arrangements often come about as a positive response to a family's difficult circumstances; however, the child's welfare must always come first.

Read more information (Go to What is Private Fostering?)

Who arranges Private Fostering?

Private fostering is arranged by the proposed carer and the child's birth parents, or sometimes older children themselves. Local authorities do not formally approve or register private foster carers.

Read more information (Go to Who arranges Private Fostering?)

Private Fostering - What happens next?

Social services must be satisfied the arrangements are in the best interests of the child. This doesn't mean they have to be perfect, but they will stop an arrangement if they consider it isn't in the child's best interests. This would be discussed with you and the child's parents.

Read more information (Go to Private Fostering - What happens next?)
What is Private Fostering? What is Private Fostering?

What is Private Fostering?

Private Fostering happens when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is being looked after in the home of someone who is not a close relative or guardian for more than 28 days. Private fostering arrangements often come about as a positive response to a family's difficult circumstances; however, the child's welfare must always come first.

Read more information (Go to What is Private Fostering?)
Who arranges Private Fostering? Who arranges Private Fostering?

Who arranges Private Fostering?

Private fostering is arranged by the proposed carer and the child's birth parents, or sometimes older children themselves. Local authorities do not formally approve or register private foster carers.

Read more information (Go to Who arranges Private Fostering?)
What happens next? What happens next?

Private Fostering - What happens next?

Social services must be satisfied the arrangements are in the best interests of the child. This doesn't mean they have to be perfect, but they will stop an arrangement if they consider it isn't in the child's best interests. This would be discussed with you and the child's parents.

Read more information (Go to Private Fostering - What happens next?)
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