Private fostering
Private fostering is when an individual looks after a child who is not a close relative.
Private fostering means:
- the child/children are under 16 years old or under 18 years old with a disability
- the carer is not a close relative (parent, step-parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent)
- the child/children are away from the home for more than 28 days
- it is a private arrangement and not through Walsall Council or an approved foster carer
If you know of any private fostering arrangements you must let Children's Social Care know by law. We will carry out an assessment to make sure this placement is best for the child and their carer.
As the parent, you are still financially responsible for your child and we can help you. We can also help people who are private foster carers.
We can offer advice on:
- finance
- child benefits
- support networks
- filling in forms
As the carer, you should look after them as if they are your own child. This means you:
- give regular meals
- make sure children are warm and have clean clothes
- make sure children go to school/college
- take children to doctor/hospital if they are unwell
- help children keep in touch with family
- help children follow religion and customs there are important to them
Schools must know who has parental responsibility for children on their roll. They must report any private foster care to us.
Please contact us via telephone on 0300 555 2866.
