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Private fostering

Private fostering information for parents and carers

Private fostering is when a child under 16 (or 18 if they are disabled) lives with an adult who is not a close family member for 28 days or more. It is a private arrangement made by the parents, carers, and in some circumstances the child or young person. It is not made by us.

It is not a private fostering arrangement if a child is living with a:

  • parent or step-parent (by marriage only)
  • aunt or uncle, brother or sister, grandparent (whether full or half-blood or by marriage)
  • a foster carer approved by Southwark Council

A privately fostered child is not a child in the care of the Local Authority.

It's a legal requirement for parent/s and the person intending to privately foster a child to notify their local council. The law also requires parents, carers, and local authorities to undertake important duties to promote the welfare of children who are in private fostering arrangements.

Responsibilities of the private foster carer

You should tell us about your intention to privately foster a child at least 6 weeks in advance. If you receive a child in an emergency then within 48 hours. If you have not made a notification about a current private fostering arrangement in your home you should inform us immediately.

You should allow a social worker to inspect your home, ascertain the child or young person’s views, undertake assessments, and make reasonable recommendations.

Responsibilities of the parent

You should tell us that your child is going to be privately fostered at least 6 weeks in advance or, where the arrangement is made in an emergency, within 48 hours. If your child is already in this arrangement you should tell us immediately.

You have the responsibility to ensure the needs of your child/ren, in these arrangements, are being met.

Why it is important to notify us

It's estimated that more children are living in private fostering arrangements than are known about. Privately fostered children are living away from their homes and families, which may leave them vulnerable. When we are informed, the social care team can complete an assessment to ensure private foster carers are supported to promote the child’s wellbeing.

What we do

Where parents are having a hard time caring for their children due to shorter or longer term difficulties, private fostering can be a practical solution. However, any child separated from their parents is potentially vulnerable. We must ensure the alternative care any privately fostered child receives meets their welfare and safety needs and is in line with relevant legislation.

Upon receiving a notification of the private fostering arrangement, the social care team will undertake a private fostering assessment on the suitability of the arrangement. While the arrangement is in place, the team will continue to visit and provide advice and support to children, carers and parents. We don’t want to interfere with the arrangement - but we need to ensure that it's meeting the needs of the child or young person.

How to notify us of a private fostering arrangement

Contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0207 525 1921 or email MASH@southwark.gov.uk.

Southwark Children's Services
London Borough of Southwark
Sumner Road
London
SE15 5QS

 

Page last updated: 18 January 2024

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