Caring for somebody else’s child?
What to expect as a private foster carer
If you care for somebody else’s child who is under 16, or under 18 if disabled, for 28 days or more, and they are not a close relative* of yours, this is known as private fostering. By law, you must report this to Devon County Council.
Once you have notified us, we will:
- arrange to visit you and the young person within seven working days of them coming to live with you, or within seven working days of us being notified
- ask you to complete an enhanced DBS check and will need to provide us with evidence of your identity – everyone living in the household aged sixteen and over will need a DBS check
- ask your permission to make medical checks with your GP to confirm they have no concerns about you caring for somebody else’s child
- ask you to provide the names of two referees (not family) who have known you for two years or more, and who will be able to comment on you as carers and members of the community
- check our records to see if you have been known to us in the past, in what circumstances, and whether there have been any concerns about you caring for a child
- take some time to get to know you and your family, your experience and knowledge and what has motivated you as a family to care for somebody else’s child
- talk to the child you are caring for alone about their experience of living with your family, whether they have any concerns about staying with you or more general things
- talk to you and the child’s parents about financial provisions, consents for medical treatment, educational matters and general day-to-day arrangements – the child’s parents retain parental responsibility and overall responsibility for the child
We will then summarise our findings in a report with a recommendation to agree or not to the arrangement. You will be able to comment on this report before it is presented to the fostering panel.
They along with the agency decision-maker will make the final decision to agree to the arrangement or not. If agreed we will visit you and the child every five to six weeks.
Throughout this process, we are available to offer advice and support to you as necessary. We will always offer a listening ear to you, your family and the child you are caring for, to talk through any issues you may have.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the process. You can contact the Private Fostering Team on 0345 155 1071 or email privatefostering@devon.gov.uk.
*Close relatives include parents, grandparents, stepparents by marriage, aunts, uncles and legal guardians but not cousins, great aunts, great uncles, or family friends.