Private fostering

Private fostering is an arrangement made between a parent and a responsible adult, who is not a direct relative or legal guardian, for the care of a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled).

Private fostering can happen in a range of different circumstances. Examples include:

children whose parents have paid someone to care for them whilst they are away working or studying
teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend
international students who live with a host family and children who stay at a boarding school for more than two weeks of the school holidays
children and young people who have to live away from their own family as a result of parental separation, divorce or arguments at home

Becoming a private foster carer

The period for which the child is cared for by the private foster carer should be continuous for more than 28 days, where the carer is not a:

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

A private foster carer may be a:

cousin
great aunt or uncle
friend of the family
parent of a friend of the child
step sibling

We have a legal duty to ensure that children and young people in these situation are safe and properly cared for.

By law, under the Children Act, you must tell us if you are entering into a private fostering arrangement.

For parents

If you are a parent making private fostering arrangements for your child, you need to let the Croydon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team know in writing at least six weeks before the arrangement begins. If the arrangement is due to start in less than six weeks or the child is already living with the carer you need to let the MASH team know immediately.

If you are already looking after a child

You must tell us about the arrangement by contacting the MASH team, even if you are getting paid to look after the child.

After we have been informed

We will visit both you and the child or young person at your home within seven working days and explain our role in more detail. We will carry out an assessment of the child's needs and the suitability of the care arrangement. This will include completing Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks on all adults living in the carer's home.

Support for private foster carers

Support is offered to private foster carers which may include:

parenting support and advice
help in bringing families in crisis back together
online training opportunities

Contact us

For more information and to tell us about a child or young person you or somebody else may be caring for, or about to care for, under a private fostering arrangement please contact us.

Telephone: 0208 255 2888.
Email: mash@croydon.gov.uk.