Private Fostering

What is Private Foster Care?

Private fostering occurs when a parent arranges for a child to be cared for by someone other than a parent or close relative (a close relative means a step-parent, grandparent, brother or sister, aunt or uncle – either by blood or marriage) for more than 28 days. 

A child is anyone under the age of 16 or a disabled young person under 18.

Reasons why a child would be privately fostered

• A child who is living with a friend’s family as a result of parental separation, divorce or arguments at home

• A child who has been sent to this country for education or health care by birth parents living overseas

• Teenagers who are living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend

• A child whose parents’ study or work involves unsociable hours and they are unable to use ordinary day care

The council has a legal duty to identify any child who is being privately fostered so that we can ensure all children are safe and well. 

We will:

• Assess the situation to ensure the child is safe

• Inspect the accommodation to ensure it is adequate

• Police check all the adults in the household

• Assess health and safety

• Contact schools

• Visit regularly, to monitor the situation

• Offer the child or young person support and someone to contact if things go wrong

• Advise and support the private carers, and the parents, to resolve difficulties, sort out benefits, and meet the child’s needs.

The council does not fund private foster care. The financial arrangements should be between the parent/ legal guardian and the private foster carer. However we can help sort out any benefits that a private foster carer would be able to claim.

Help and advice

If your child is being looked after by someone who is not a close relative or if you are looking after someone else’s child, please contact the Private Fostering Team at Doncaster Council for help and advice using the contact details at the top of this page.

The documents attached to this page also offer further guidance and information.