Let us know if you’re looking after someone else’s child

Examples of private fostering

children and young people who are sent to this country for education or health care
a teenager living with a friend’s family because of a break down of the relationships at their home
children or teenagers on school holiday exchanges
a child is left with the unmarried partner of their parent because the parent is away for work or another reason
where children stay with host families during term time so they can attend professional sports coaching or study at language schools

The law says that in a private fostering situation, the local authority has a legal duty to make sure these children are safe and well cared for.

If you're:

a parent that is entering into a private fostering arrangement
someone that's caring for someone else’s child
an education, health or social care professional who knows or suspect that a child is being privately fostered

You have a legal duty to let Children’s Services know. Tell us about a private fostering arrangement or if you're unsure ask us any questions.

Telephone: 0121 303 2621

Telephone: 0121 675 4806