Private Fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is placed in the care of someone who is not their parent or close relative, through a private agreement made between their parent and a carer for 28 days or more. A close relative is defined as a:
- step-parent
- grandparent
- brother
- sister
- uncle or aunt (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage)
Private fostering situations could involve
- children sent to this country for education or health care by birth parents living overseas
- children living with a friends' family after a parental separation, divorce or arguments at home
- teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend
- children whose parents study or work involves unsociable hours, which make it difficult for them to use ordinary day care or after school care
- children on holiday exchanges
Notifying children's services
By law, the parent or carer should notify Education and Children’s Services of a private fostering arrangement. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and they could risk a fine. This is to ensure that the private arrangement is a suitable one and that the child is being properly looked after.
Nobody knows exactly how many children are privately fostered but in 2001 the Department of Health estimated there could be as many as 10,000 in England and Wales.
It is feared that some of these ‘invisible’ children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking. This was highlighted by the tragic death of Victoria Climbie who had been privately fostered.
What should professionals do?
Professionals should ensure that Education and Children’s Services are aware of any child/young person in a private fostering arrangement.
Professionals who come into regular contact with children and young people, such as teachers, doctors and youth workers, can play a vital role in identifying privately fostered children and keeping them safe – either contact us directly, or encourage the child’s parent or carer to contact us.
What will children’s services do?
Once children’s services are aware of a private fostering arrangement, a social worker will check the suitability of the arrangement and continue to make regular visits to ensure the child is safe and well cared for. They will also offer support and advice to the carers.
Parents of the child will also have the reassurance that the council is monitoring the care of their child and they can contact us if they have any concerns. The council has the power to remove a child from a private foster care placement if there are concerns for the child’s welfare.
For more information please contact Karl Davis on freephone 0800 073 0291 or e-mail familyplacement@slough.gov.uk.
If we do not know about these children, they remain hidden and we are powerless to safeguard them.
