Many people find themselves looking after someone else's child without realising they may be involved in private fostering.
Private fostering is when a child or young person under 16 years old (or 18 if they have a disability) is looked after for a period of 28 days or more by someone who is not a close relative, guardian or person with parental responsibility. Close relatives include parents, step-parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
People become private foster carers for all sorts of reasons. Private foster carers can be a friend of the child's family, or someone who is willing to care for the child of a family they do not know.
By law, you need to tell your local authority if you are thinking of placing your child into private fostering or if you are looking after someone else's child.
The council has a duty to ensure that the arrangements are suitable for the child and that the child is safe. They will assess the private foster family including health checks and accommodation checks.
Torbay Council must be told about all private fostering situations. The child's parents, private foster carer and anyone else involved in the arrangement are legally required to inform the local council.
Any professionals who come across a private fostering arrangement also have a duty to notify the council if they do not believe this has already been done.
If you think you might be involved in a private fostering arrangement in Torbay, visit the Private Fostering page on the Torbay Council website for further information and to download the correct forms. You can also call 01803 208100 or email fostercareservice@torbay.gov.uk
