Private Fostering

Private fostering is a private arrangement made by the child’s parent (or someone with parental responsibility) and;

  • the child is under the age of 16 (or 18 if the child is disabled)

  • the child is living with a carer who is not a close relative (defined as: grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or stepparent by marriage)

  • the arrangement is expected to last for more than 28 days and on a full time basis

By law the Council must be informed about any private fostering arrangement to ensure safeguards are in place for the child and advice and support can be provided to the carer.

If you allow your child to be cared for by someone else for 28 days or more, and this has not been arranged formally by Cumbria Children and Families Services then this could be a Private Fostering Arrangement.

If your child is being privately fostered or you are privately fostering a child call Children & Families Services on either Cumberland Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 or Westmorland Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724

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