Understand the arrangement
Clear guidance helps families recognise when private fostering applies and identify the notifications or advice they may need.
Private Fostering
Private fostering is a private arrangement where a child under 16, or under 18 if disabled, lives with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or more. Families must notify their local authority, which safeguards the child.
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When might private fostering be considered?
Private fostering may be considered when a parent or person with parental responsibility cannot care for a child themselves, and the child needs to stay with another adult for an extended period. Situations can include illness, hospital treatment, family difficulties, housing problems, education, or a parent working away from home.
It can also arise when a child stays with a friend’s family, a host family, or someone known to them because returning home is not currently practical. The arrangement may feel informal to those involved, but the child’s daily care, education, health needs and contact with their parents should be discussed clearly from the outset.
Families may need guidance when they are unsure whether an arrangement counts as private fostering, what responsibilities the adults have, or how to support the child’s relationship with their parents. Speaking to the relevant local authority helps clarify the child’s circumstances and ensures that appropriate checks, advice and support are considered.
How to manage a private fostering arrangement
Practical guidance can help families distinguish private fostering from other informal care arrangements, identify which local authority to contact, prepare relevant information, and understand how the child’s welfare, views and ongoing needs should shape decisions.
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Confirm that the arrangement is private fostering
Check the child’s age, expected length of stay and relationship to the proposed carer. Private fostering applies where a child stays with someone who is not a close relative for the required period, rather than where a close family member provides care or the local authority places the child.
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Agree responsibilities before the stay begins
Parents, the private foster carer and the child should be clear about everyday decisions, household rules, transport, expenses and who to contact if circumstances change. Setting this out in writing can prevent misunderstandings while the arrangement continues.
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Include the child in planning
The child’s views should be considered in a way that reflects their age and understanding. Talk through where they will live, who will care for them, how they will keep in touch with important people and what they can do if they feel worried or unsafe.
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Prepare key information
The carer should have the information needed to care for the child properly, including relevant medical details, school or college contacts, dietary requirements, routines, permissions and emergency contact details. Parents should explain any changes that could affect the child’s care.
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Understand the local authority’s involvement
Once notified, the local authority may visit, speak with the child and the adults involved, and assess whether the arrangement is suitable. Cooperating with enquiries helps the authority identify support or safeguarding action where it is needed.
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Review the arrangement regularly
Private fostering arrangements can change as family circumstances, education, health or living arrangements develop. Review how the child is managing, keep communication open with their parents and tell the local authority about significant changes or plans for the arrangement to end.
Support for managing private fostering arrangements
Private fostering guidance helps families agree roles, record key decisions and recognise when circumstances need review. This is useful when arrangements involve several adults, because everyone can understand what has been agreed and who should be consulted.
It helps parents and carers prepare questions for professionals and consider the child’s wishes before seeking advice, supporting clear communication between everyone involved.
Coordinate adult responsibilities
Agreeing who handles everyday tasks, permissions and communication reduces confusion when several adults are involved.
Keep the child involved
Considering the child’s views and routines helps adults make arrangements that reflect their welfare, comfort and developing independence.
Keep important details together
Recording contact information, agreed routines and relevant decisions gives everyone a reliable reference as the arrangement continues.
Review changing circumstances
Regularly checking whether the arrangement still meets the child’s needs helps families recognise when further advice or a revised plan may be appropriate.
Private fostering and parental responsibility
Private fostering does not normally transfer parental responsibility to the adult caring for the child. The parent or another person with parental responsibility remains responsible for major decisions, while the private foster carer manages the child’s everyday care and routines.
Before the arrangement begins, agree how decisions about school, healthcare, activities, travel and contact will be handled. The carer should know when parental consent is needed. Include the child’s views in these discussions in an age-appropriate way.
Responsibilities may need revisiting if the child’s needs change, contact becomes difficult or the child can no longer remain safely in the placement. Parents and carers should share updates and seek advice from the local authority if circumstances change.
Private Fostering Questions and Answers
How do I notify the local authority about a private fostering arrangement?
Private fostering is arranged by families, not through a fostering agency. The child’s parent retains parental responsibility, while the local authority assesses arrangements and provides safeguarding oversight and appropriate advice.
Can private fostering arrangements be ended?
Yes, private fostering arrangements can end when the child returns home, moves elsewhere, or circumstances change. Adults should plan safely, involve the child, and inform the local authority as appropriate.
What support can private foster carers receive?
Support may include guidance from the local authority, safeguarding advice, information and help reviewing the arrangement. Parents and carers should raise concerns promptly when the child’s needs or circumstances change.
What checks apply to private foster carers?
Checks may include identity, police and adult household member checks, references, home safety and health information. The local authority considers the child’s needs, carer’s suitability and arrangement’s safety.
Are private foster carers entitled to financial support?
Private foster carers generally do not receive fostering allowance because private fostering is not local-authority-approved fostering. Parents and carers should agree costs and seek local-authority advice about benefits or assistance.
Key features of private fostering arrangements
Private fostering arrangements involve several practical considerations beyond where a child stays. The following features organise key points for parents and carers, helping them prepare information, identify responsibilities and recognise when professional advice may be needed.
Safeguarding oversight
The local authority may visit the child and speak with the child, parents and private foster carer to understand the arrangement and assess welfare. This oversight helps identify safeguarding concerns and ensures that relevant advice or support is considered.
The child’s identity and wellbeing
Planning should take account of the child’s age, views, culture, religion, language, relationships and individual needs. These details help the carer provide care that is consistent, respectful and suited to the child.
Clear information for everyone
Parents and carers should share essential information about the child, including medical details, school contacts, allergies, routines, emergency arrangements and important relationships. Keeping this information accurate makes everyday care more consistent.
Agreed financial arrangements
Parents and private foster carers should discuss how the child’s everyday costs will be met before the arrangement starts. Agreeing responsibilities in writing can reduce uncertainty and gives everyone a clear reference if circumstances change.
Review when circumstances change
A private fostering arrangement should be reconsidered if the child’s needs, living situation or family circumstances change. Parents and carers should update the local authority and seek advice before making significant changes to where or how the child is cared for.
Questions to Ask Before a Private Fostering Arrangement Begins
How is a child’s wellbeing monitored during private fostering?
Unlike approved foster care, private foster care is arranged by families, not through a fostering agency. The local authority assesses safeguarding, visits the placement, and offers guidance where needed throughout.
Does private fostering require a written agreement?
A written agreement is not always legally required, but documenting arrangements, consent, contact, finances and responsibilities helps prevent misunderstandings. Notify the local authority before placement, whether terms are clearly written.
Which relatives are excluded from the private fostering definition?
Close relatives—grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts and stepparents—are excluded. A child staying with these relatives is not privately fostered under this definition, although other safeguarding duties may remain.
What are the consequences of not notifying the local authority?
Failing to notify can be a criminal offence, potentially leading to prosecution. It may also delay essential safeguarding checks and support, leaving responsibilities unclear and increasing risks for the child.
Can private fostering become an approved foster care arrangement?
Private fostering does not automatically become approved foster care. Anyone wishing to foster children through an agency or local authority must apply separately, complete assessment and meet formal approval requirements.
Talk to Us About Private Fostering
If you are considering private fostering or need to clarify an existing arrangement, contact Become a Foster Family for personalised information and guidance. A conversation can help you identify the appropriate next steps without committing to any decision.