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Private Fostering

What is Private Fostering?

Private Fostering Arrangements are used across the United Kingdom as a means of caring for children when the birth parents are unable to do so. Children under the age of 16, or under the age of 18 if they are disabled, are considered to be privately fostered if they are cared for by an adult who is not a close relative for more than 28 days. The arrangement has to be made between the parent of the child and the foster carer. The children Act 1989 describes close relatives as  grandparents, sisters, brother, aunts, uncles or step parents.

A private foster carer is someone who is not a close relative, for example:

  • a family friend
  • a parent of the child’s friend
  • an individual who is unknown to the child’s family and is willing to care for the child
  • an extended family member

Legislation states carers, parents and any professional that is aware of a private foster arrangement must notify the council of the plans atleast 6 weeks in advance. If this arrangement is an emergency placement, the carer must contact the council within 48 hours of the child being in their care.

Being a foster carer is much more than providing a temporary home to a child or young person. Harrow foster carers are to protect, support and care for children and young people from a wide variety of backgrounds, helping them to grow and develop.

Here are some of the things that we need our foster carers to do:

  • provide support
  • attend meetings and manage information
  • manage behaviour
  • promote contact with families
  • manage relationships
  • commit time and energy
  • develop skills
  • work in a team
  • receive training

Adults fostering in Harrow, benefit from:

  • regular contact / visits from a supervising social worker
  • 24-hour professional support
  • full training
  • access to and membership of support groups.

All of our foster carers will have access to:

  • the Fostering Network (and free membership)
  • the Harrow Foster Carers Association (HFCA), a support group of foster carers
  • regular support group meetings facilitated by members of the fostering team
  • foster carers annual award ceremony
  • regular newsletter for Harrow foster carers
  • a full programme of training and development for foster carers

Freephone: 0800 064 1000
Tel: 020 8736 6971