What is private fostering?

Private fostering is an arrangement where a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) is looked after full-time for more than 28 days by an adult who is not their:

  • parent, step-parent or legal guardian
  • grandparent
  • brother or sister
  • aunt or uncle

Private fostering is very different from a child being cared for by a council or agency foster carer. It's an agreement between the child’s parents and a private carer to look after their child while the parent is not able to.

There are many reasons why a child may be in a private fostering situation, including:

  • living with a family friend because of a family crisis
  • a teenager (possibly a teenage parent) living with friends or neighbours
  • their parents may be studying or working unsociable hours
  • refugee and homeless children
  • children with parents overseas
  • trafficked children

For more information, read the private fostering leaflet for parents and carers

Who do I need to tell if I'm private fostering?

The local authority has a legal duty to make sure children in this situation are safe and properly cared for. Under the Children Act 2004, you must tell the local authority if you're entering into a private fostering arrangement.

If you're making arrangements for your child to be cared for by someone who's not a close relative, you need to tell Camden's Children’s Safeguarding and Family Help (CSFH) 6 weeks before the arrangements start.

Contact us on 020 7974 3317 or email [email protected] to get more information about private fostering.

For more information, read the Private Fostering Statement 2024/2025