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Private Fostering

What is Private Fostering?

Private fostering in its simplest form means looking after somebody else’s child.  The legal definition as written in the Children Act 1989 states that private fostering occurs when a child under 16 (18 if they have a disability) is living away from home, being cared for by someone who is not their parent or close relative. The arrangement is made by the persons or person with parental responsibility and the carers. These arrangements are not made by the Local Authority and are due to last longer than 28 days.

How someone becomes a private foster carer

It is an agreement between you and the child’s parents/persons with parental responsibility. The parents or carers need to tell Portsmouth Children’s Social Care about the arrangements as soon as possible.

A social worker will visit the carer, the child, and their parents to carry out checks including police checks and to provide ongoing support to the carers, child, and parents while the arrangement is in place.

Parental responsibility

A private foster carer does not have parental responsibility for the child as this remains with the parents. This means while parents can delegate day to day parenting to the carer, decisions about health and education remains the responsibility of the parents. Parents can end the arrangement at any time.

Examples of Private Fostering

  • Molly (14) has argued with her mother and says she can’t live with her anymore. Molly is staying with her friend Lilly and her parents who are happy to look after her. Molly has been there for a month so far.
  • Dan (16) has a learning difficulty. He has been arguing with his parents because he wants to be more independent and feels they have not been supportive. Dan is staying with his girlfriend’s family who are willing to look after him long term.
  • Mya (2) is living with her great aunt. Mya’s mother has significant mental health issues and is unable to care for Mya when she is unwell. Mya has been staying with her great aunt for six weeks.
  • Caroline (14) is a student from China. She has come to the UK to study and take her exams. Caroline will remain with her host family for a year.

As shown in the examples, private fostering is wide-ranging and can happen to any family. If you know of an arrangement, please contact Portsmouth MASH on 02392 688793 or 0845 671 0271 or email mash@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

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