Private fostering

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a ‘close relative’.

This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as step-parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/affinity).

For more information on private fostering, see Bexley Council’s website:

https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/health-and-social-care/social-care-for-children/looked-after-children/looking-after-child-thats-not-your-own

Also see the resources on CoramBAAF ‘s website (link below). CoramBAAF is an independent membership organisation for professionals, foster carers and adopters, and anyone else working with or looking after children in or from care, or adults who have been affected by adoption. It is a successor organisation to the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

https://corambaaf.org.uk/fostering-adoption/kinship-care-and-private-fostering/private-fostering

Information for parents and carers in relation to private fostering can be found elsewhere on this website:

Private fostering – information for families