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