Private fostering

A private fostering arrangement is where a child or young person aged under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone other than a parent or close relative, without the involvement of the local authority.  If the arrangement lasts for more than 28 days, Herefordshire Council needs to be notified.

For example, a neighbour might offer to care for a child when a parent unexpectedly has to go into hospital for an extended stay, or a teenager may fall out with his/her parents and go to stay with a a friend's family for a couple of months.

• If the arrangement is expected to last more than 28 days, you must contact the council 
• Whenever possible, the council needs to be notified before the arrangement begins
• Children living with relatives* are not regarded as privately fostered.  These arrangements are covered by different regulations.
• Although many private fostering arrangements are safe and appropriate, privately fostered children can be very vulnerable to abuse and neglect which is why the council needs to be notified

If you think this arrangement might apply to you, please ring the council's referral and assessment team.  It's a legal requirement to notify the local authority and you will be able to access support and advice to help you care for the child. 

*Defined in the 1989 Children Act as a parent, grandparent, sibling, uncle or aunt (whether or full blood or half blood by marriage) or a step-parent.