Private Fostering
What is Private Fostering?
Sometimes it is arranged by a parent for their child go to stay with someone who is not a close relative. If the child or young person is likely to stay at this person's home for 28 days or more, this is called a Private Fostering arrangement. The person that looks after the child or young person is a private foster carer and the law says that the Council must be told because it is their job to make sure that children are looked after properly, whoever they are living with.
Why are some children privately fostered?
There can be lots of different reasons why a child or young person goes to stay with someone. This could be if mum or dad are ill and can't care for their children, a child is going to school in another country or maybe as a teenager there are rows or upset at home which a break away may make better. These are only a few reasons - there are many others.
For parents
Do you know that if you have arranged for your child to be looked after by someone who isn’t a close relative, like an aunt, for 28 days or more, this may be private fostering?
It is your duty to let Slough Children First know. For advice or support about private fostering, please visit Slough Children First’s website.
You can also get in touch with their MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) Team via telephone 01753 875362 or via email at Sloughchildren.referrals@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
For carers
Got a friend who’s unable to look after their child for the next month as they’re unwell? Or maybe they’re studying and working various hours so need some help?
If you’ve offered to help look after their child for 28 days or more, this may be private fostering. It is your duty to let Slough Children First know. For advice or support about private fostering,
please visit Slough Children First’s website.
You can also get in touch with their MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) Team via telephone on 01753 875362 or via email at Sloughchildren.referrals@sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk
I think I am being privately fostered. How can I find out more?
A good starting place would be to look at the Slough Children First link below. It will give you lots more information.
https://www.sloughchildrenfirst.co.uk/what-we-do/private-fostering/