Children's services
Council recognises increase of private fostering arrangements in Walsall
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Members of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the borough’s increase in reporting of children and young people who are privately fostered in Walsall at a committee meeting yesterday (29 January 2024).
Members agreed to proposals which aim to continue to raise the profile of private fostering and outlined plans to continue working with partners and agencies in the borough, to identify and support those children in private fostering arrangements.
A private fostering arrangement is when a child or young person under the age of 16 – or under 18 if they have a disability – is cared for by someone other than a parent or close relative, without the involvement of the local authority, and with the intention that the arrangement will last for 28 days or more.
Local authorities must identify and assess children and young people who may be privately fostered.
Department for Education data suggests there are approximately 10,000 children in England who are privately fostered, and it is likely that more than half of these are not notified to local authorities.
In Walsall, between October 2022 and 2023, eighteen children were identified as living in privately fostered arrangements, compared to six children in 2021.
“ Since 2022, we have seen a significant increase in referrals about our children and young people who may be being fostered privately.
Yesterday, the committee decided to continue working with professionals and practitioners to raise awareness of private fostering arrangements in the borough, so we can provide the relevant support and care needed.
Children in private fostering situations can often be ‘invisible’ to vital social care and support services, and as a local authority, it is critical we act promptly and follow the legal processes when a child is identified to us.
We understand that in some instances, private fostering may feel safe and appropriate, however, there are some cases where private fostering can pose additional vulnerabilities and risks.
As a community, and within our wider partnership, we want people to inform us if they think a child or young person may be in a private fostering arrangement.
We want to get the message out there, to share what private fostering actually is, what to do if you think someone you know might be privately fostered, and how the council and supporting agencies can help keep our children and young people safe and healthy. “
You can watch the meeting recording here on the Walsall Council website.
Ends
Notes to editors
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. Walsall Council will carry out an assessment to make sure this placement is best for the child and their carer.
Walsall Council can offer advice and support on:
- parenting support
- support in bringing families closer together
- finance
- child benefits
- support networks
- filling in forms
Schools must know who has parental responsibility for children on their roll. They must report any private foster care to us.
