Private Fostering
If someone else is caring for your child or if you or someone you know is caring for a child for someone else for 28 days or more, it is your responsibility legally to tell us.
Watch the Video
As part of Staffordshire County Council’s private fostering raising awareness campaign one child who lives with a private foster carer in Staffordshire was invited to attend a celebration at the House of Lords to talk about her experiences of being privately fostered.
In this video Keelie talks about how the decision to become privately fostered has benefited her, and the people around her, and what steps are now being taken to ensure everything works well.
What is private fostering?
Private fostering is when another adult who is not a close relative is caring for someone elses child under 16 (under 18, if disabled) for longer than 28 days. It is different to a formal foster placement arranged by social worker employed by Staffordshire County Council.
Who might be a private foster carer?
Private foster carers may be from extended family such as a cousin or great aunt. They may be a friend of the family, or the parents of the child's girlfriend or boyfriend - or someone unknown who is willing to privately foster a child.
Why does Staffordshire County Council need to know?
The law states that parents and private foster carers in Staffordshire have to tell the county council when a child is privately fostered. It is our legal duty to make sure all private fostering arrangements are safe for the child. Once informed of the arrangement we will check the suitability of private foster carers, make regular visits to the child and ensure advice, help and support is available when needed.
If you think you may be privately fostering, know someone who is, or simply want more information, call 0800 1313 126.
For further information visit www.privatefostering.org.uk| (external site).
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