Articles - Parents / Carers Zone

Private fostering, know the facts...

If you are under 16 years of age (or under 18 if you have a disability) and you are looked after by someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 days, then you are being privately fostered.

A close relative is defined as your brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grand parent, legal guardian or step parent.

There may be many reasons why you are not living with your mum and dad. One of them may have to go into hospital for a long stay or your parents may be living in another country.

The law says that if you are living with private foster carers then your parents and foster carers need to let Children’s Services know. When Children’s Services are informed about where you are living, they will come and see you to make sure that you are happy with where you are living and to talk to your private foster carers.

The person that comes to see you will be a social worker. They will want to know that:

your private foster carers are supporting you with your education
helping you with any ethnic and cultural needs you have
you visit the doctors and dentists for any health checks you need

The social worker will keep in regular contact with you to check you are OK and that you are enjoying school. They will also help you to keep in contact with your mum and dad. You can also contact the social worker at any time if you have anything you want to discuss.

If you think you are living with private foster carers and want to talk to someone for help and advice please contact:

The Duty Manager

Referral and Assessment Team

The Exchange

Ainsworth Street

Blackburn

BB1 6AD

Telephone: (01254) 666825

LINK: http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/privatefostering

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