Private fostering
The role of school staff in private fostering
Parents and carers often fail to notify schools about private fostering arrangements even though they are legally required to notify Specialist Children's Services. Often this is because they are unaware of the requirements. They believe that this is a private family arrangement which does not concern anybody else.
This lack of awareness means that many privately fostered children remain hidden and can be vulnerable, as in the case of Victoria Climbie who was a privately fostered child.
What is private fostering?
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not a close relative (for example a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling or step-parent) for 28 days or more. It's very different from the care of children formally provided by local councils through approved foster carers.
Privately fostered children and young people may:
- have parents living or working abroad
- be sent to the UK to study at state or language schools
- live with another family because they have problems at home.
- be estranged from their own family
- be at independent schools and not returning home during school holidays.
Children who are on weekend or holiday visits do not count as being privately fostered.
School staff's role
School staff play an essential role in identifying privately fostered children. If you know a child is being privately fostered you should tell the parent orcarer that they must report the arrangement to Kent County Council at least six weeks before it happens or within 48 hours if the arrangement is current having been made in an emergency.
Make a referral
You can make referrals by telephone on 03000 41 11 11.