A privately fostered child is a child or young person under 16 years, or under 18 years if they are disabled, who is being cared for and is living with someone else for more than 28 days who is not a parent or close relative. They could be someone such as a -
- great grandparent
- cousin
- great uncle
- great aunt
- stepparent
Private fostering does not mean a child is looked after by the local authority.
Private fostering could include -
- children sent to this country for educational or health opportunities including cultural exchange students staying for a period more than 28 days
- children living with a friend's family as a result of separation, divorce and disputes at home
- teenagers living with the family of a friend
Notifying us of a private fostering arrangement
Under the Children Act (1989) parents, carers and professionals must tell the local authority's social services department about the arrangement. They must do this at least 6 weeks before the arrangement is due to begin. Or they need to do this as soon a child living under this arrangement is identified. This could be by a professional involved with the child such as a teacher, nurse or GP.
We take responsibility for supporting the welfare of the child who is privately fostered seriously. We are unable to do this if we do not know where or who the child is living with. A private fostering assessment will start following a notification about the arrangement and support is available to carers to ensure the arrangement is safe and meeting the needs of the child.
If a private fostering arrangement is being put in place or has been identified as already being in place, you must notify Hull City Council's Children's Services. Do this via the Early Help and Safeguarding Hub (EHASH).
You can do this either -
- Via the online Portal CYP Hub. Select either professional or member of the public. Then select the private fostering link
- Complete the notification below and email EHASH@hullcc.gov.uk
- you can ring EHASH if you need advice 01482 448 879
Access private fostering notification form (opens in new window)