This Private Fostering Day, we’re raising awareness of private fostering, what it can look like and how children, parents and carers can access advice and support.

There are many reasons why a child or young person might live with someone other than their parents.

They might be staying with a friend’s family because things are difficult at home, living with a host family while studying in the UK, or being cared for by someone they know while their parents are overseas.

When arrangements like these last for 28 days or more, they could be considered private fostering.

What is private fostering?

Private fostering is when a child under 16, or under 18 if they are disabled, is cared for for 28 days or more by someone who is not their parent, guardian or close relative.

Close relatives include grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and step-parents.

Private fostering arrangements are made privately between parents and carers, and can happen for many different reasons.

Because these arrangements are often informal, families may not realise that what they are doing is considered private fostering, or that they need to let us know about it.

Why is it important to tell us?

Our role is to make sure children who are privately fostered in Devon are safe, well cared for and receiving the support they need.

Once we’re told about an arrangement, our Private Fostering Team will work with the child, their parents and their carers. This can include a social worker visiting the child and their carers, listening to the child’s wishes and feelings, carrying out appropriate checks and offering advice and ongoing support.

The team can also help parents and carers consider things such as the child’s physical, emotional, educational and cultural needs.

Telling us about an arrangement isn’t about getting anyone into trouble. It’s about making sure everyone involved has the right support and, most importantly, that the child is safe and well cared for.

When should you let us know?

If you’re planning a private fostering arrangement, you should let us know at least six weeks before it begins.

If the arrangement will begin in less than six weeks, or the child is already living with their private foster carer, please tell us straight away.

Professionals who become aware of a private fostering arrangement should also let us know and encourage the child’s parents or carers to contact us.

Not sure if it applies to you?

If you’re unsure whether an arrangement counts as private fostering, that’s OK. You don’t need to work it out alone.

You can contact us for an informal conversation and our team can offer advice:

Call: 0345 155 1071
Email: privatefostering@devon.gov.uk

If you know about a private fostering arrangement, you can also make a referral through our Front Door.