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ChildRIGHT: In a Nutshell -- Establishing a private fostering arrangement

2 mins read Social Care Fostering and adoption Legal
How private foster arrangements are made, who is eligible, and the role local authorities play in ensuring the safety of a fostered child.

What is private fostering?

Private fostering occurs when a child under the age of 16, (or 18 if the child has a disability) is placed for 28 days or more in the care of someone who is not the child's guardian, a close relative or by private arrangement between the parent and carer.

A private foster carer is responsible for the day-to-day care of the child. The child's parent, or person with parental responsibility, retains the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child.

Who can be a private foster carer?

Close relatives of the child are not recognised as private foster carers. According to the Children Act 1989, private foster carers can be from the child's extended family, such as a cousin, a great aunt or a friend. Grandparents, a brother or sister, an aunt or uncle and step-parents cannot be considered as private foster carers.

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