Private Fostering

Private fostering is when a parent or guardian places their child in the care of someone who is not a close relative or approved foster carer for more than 28 days.

Examples of private fostering could include:

• Looking after a friend’s child while they work away from home;
• Caring for a child while parents sort out personal problems;
• Acting as a host family for a child or young person studying in the UK.

If you are planning to use a private foster carer, you must notify the local authority about this at least two weeks before the placement starts. You can contact us or complete the Private Fostering Notification Form (PDF).

Emergency Placements

For emergency placements, you must contact us within seven days of the start. It's our responsibility to secure the welfare of all privately fostered children in our area and so we need to carry out a number of checks, including visiting you and the child.