What is Private Fostering?
Private Fostering is an arrangement between a child’s parents and another adult who is not directly related and is not a legal guardian with parental responsibility. It is not private fostering if the carer is a direct relative to the child such as grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts. Children and young people under the age of 16 years, or of 18 years if disabled, are considered to be privately fostered if they live with someone for 28 days or more. The law states that carers or parents must notify the local authority of any private fostering arrangement. We need to be sure the child is safe, healthy and happy and offer support to you as a private foster carer where needed.
What to do?
Private foster carers are legally required to notify the local authority. You can do this in North Tyneside by contacting the Front Door Service on 0345 2000109.
Many people aren’t aware of this requirement; if you know a child or young person is being privately fostered and you think we are unaware please notify us or support the parent/carer to do so.