What do private foster carers need to do?
The law requires that parents and carers must notify Social Services of the arrangement. Private foster carers have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child, and must allow a representative from Social Service to visit the foster child and premises.
The private foster carer must:
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Tell their local council that they intend to foster a child at least six weeks in advance, or where an emergency placement is made, within 48 hours of the child’s arrival. |
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Tell their local council when a child leaves their care, stating why and giving the name and address of the person into whose care the child has been moved. |
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If you are caring for someone else’s child but were unaware of this requirement, please contact us for advice on 01656 642320. |
Birth parents responsibilities
The birth parents also have responsibilities. When a child is privately fostered, the child’s parents still have full parental responsibility in the eyes of the law. Private fostering requires parental consent; if there is no parental agreement then the arrangement is null and void.
A birth parent is also still responsible for:
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Important decisions – consent for medical treatment, what school your child attends and any changes in where they live |
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Financial support |
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Keeping Children’s Services informed of your whereabouts |
- Last Updated: 14/07/2010
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