Articles - Parents / Carers Zone

Private fostering - the facts

Blackburn with Darwen is currently in the process of raising awareness of Private Fostering arrangements.

By definition, a privately fostered child is someone who is under 16 years of age (or under 18 years if they have a disability) and is cared for and accommodated by someone other than a parent or close relative which is defined as:

grandparent
brother
sister
aunt and uncle (whether of full blood, half blood or by marriage)
step parent

and the arrangement continues for 28 days or more.

Private Foster care arrangements could be with such family members as a

cousin
great grandparent
great aunt or uncle

or a family friend or other non-relative.

There may be many reasons why a child is not looked after by their parents. The most famous case of private fostering is Victoria Climbie. It is the duty of Children’s Services to assess the private foster carer to find out whether they are suitable to look after the child. Children’s Services will establish that the child’s needs are being met, including education, health and cultural needs.

The law says that parents and potential private foster carers must notify Children’s Services of such arrangements.

Professionals and other agencies are required to inform Children’s Services when they become aware of a private fostering arrangement. This includes many professions who come into contact with children, for example, teachers, doctors, health visitors, nursery staff, etc.

If you become aware of any private fostering arrangements taking place please contact:

The Duty Manager

Referral and Assessment Team

The Exchange

Ainsworth Street

Blackburn

BB1 6AD

Telephone: (01254) 666825

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