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What is private fostering ?

An introduction to private fostering

Private fostering arrangements are when a child is cared for by a non-family member (i.e. not the grandparent, brother, sister, aunt or step-parent) continuously for 28 days or more.

Private fostering arrangements aren’t arranged by social care; however, it’s a legal requirement that the local authority is notified as soon as possible of such arrangements so that social workers can check on the suitability of the arrangement and on the welfare of the child.

Private fostering arrangements can sometimes be confused with private fostering agencies – private fostering agencies are independent (i.e. not local authority) fostering services that provide support to mainstream fostering placements. ‘Mainstream’ foster carers (usually referred to as simply ‘foster carers’) are registered with a fostering provider (such as Sparks Fostering) and are available to care for children who are referred to the fostering service by the local authority children’s services team. Unlike private foster carers who only look after specific children, mainstream carers may care for any children who match the carer’s approval range. There is more information about mainstream fostering on the Sparks Fostering website (see ) and information about mainstream fostering fees can be found on the Sparks Fostering allowances page.

Fees for private fostering arrangements

Private fostering arrangements that are long-term may be eligible for benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Pension Credit, Guardian’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or other Cost of living support. Private fostering carers should review the benefits that are available for the child’s care, especially if the parents aren’t transferring benefits payments to the carers.

Social care doesn’t usually provide any fees for private fostering arrangements unless there are assessed and specific needs for the child.

Other support available

Fostering providers may also be able to provide social work support and supervision, training, support groups, referral to specialists, access to support groups, and support with respite/short breaks carers. Each local authority (and/or private fostering providers for mainstream fostering) has different provisions and different offers so specific information should be requested from each provider.