Articles - Children's Zone
Does your child live with another family? Do you look after someone else's child?
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 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.
Private fostering arrangements may be put in place for many reasons:
- children and young people living apart form their family
- ethnic minority children whose parents are working or studying in the UK
- children whose parents are overseas
- children who are living with a host family for a variety of reasons
- children on holiday exchanges
- children on educational exchanges
The law says that parents and potential private foster carers must notify Children’s Services of such arrangements.
If the child is not yet living with private foster carers – Children’s Services should be notified six weeks beforehand
If the child is going to live with private foster carers in less then six weeks – Children’s Services should be notified immediately
If the child is already living with private foster carers - Children’s Services should be notified immediately.
If you require any further information or wish to notify Children’s Services of a private fostering arrangement please contact:
The Duty Manager
Referral and Assessment Team
The Exchange
Ainsworth Street
Blackburn
BB1 6AD
Telephone: (01254) 666825
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