What is private fostering?
Private fostering is an arrangement where:
A child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) is cared for by an adult who is not their parent or a “close relative”, for 28 days or more, and where the arrangement is made privately between the parent (or person with parental responsibility) and the carer.
This definition is set out in the Children Act 1989 and remains current in 2026.
Who is NOT a close relative?
A private fostering arrangement applies when the child is cared for by someone who is not legally defined as a close relative, including:
- Neighbours
- Family friends
- Parents of the child’s friends
- Boyfriend / girlfriend’s family
- Great aunts or uncles
- Cousins
- Great grandparents
- Any adult not related to the child by close family relationship or marriage/partnership
Who IS a close relative?
A private fostering arrangement does NOT apply if the child is living with a legally defined close relative.
Close relatives are:
- Parents (including step‑parents)
- Grandparents
- Brothers and sisters (including half‑siblings)
- Uncles and aunts (by blood or marriage/civil partnership)
If a child is cared for by someone in this list, it is not private fostering.
When does private fostering apply?
This IS a private fostering arrangement when:
- The child is cared for by a non‑close relative
- The arrangement lasts (or is intended to last) 28 days or more
This is NOT private fostering when:
- The carer is a parent or close relative (as defined above)
- The arrangement is made or arranged by the local authority
Why might a child be privately fostered?
Private fostering happens for many reasons, including:
- Children coming from overseas to live and study in the UK
- Children living with family friends due to parental illness, separation, or difficulties at home
- Teenagers living with a partner’s family
- Parents working long or irregular hours (including abroad or shift work)
- Children staying with another family following relationship breakdown or conflict
- Young people choosing to live elsewhere with parental agreement
Legal duty to notify Children’s Social Care
Private fostering arrangements are subject to legal notification requirements.
Parents and carers must:
- Notify the local authority at least 6 weeks before the arrangement begins (if planned), OR
- Notify immediately if the arrangement is already in place
This is a legal requirement under the Children Act 1989.
What should you do in Warrington? If you are:
- A parent arranging care
- A private foster carer
- A professional or member of the public aware of an arrangement
You must contact:
Warrington Borough Council – Children’s Social Care
childreferral@warrington.gov.uk
01925 443322
You must make contact if:
- You are already caring for someone else’s child
- You intend to care for a child for 28 days or more
- You are aware of a private fostering arrangement
Why does the local authority need to know?
Children’s Social Care has a statutory duty to:
- Safeguard and promote the child’s welfare
- Ensure the child is receiving appropriate care
- Assess the suitability of the private foster carer
- Provide advice, support, and monitoring
- Take action if the arrangement is unsafe or unsuitable
What happens after notification?
Following notification:
- A social worker will usually visit within 7 working days
- The child, carer, and parents will be spoken to
- An assessment of the arrangement will be carried out
- Ongoing visits and support will be provided
Key message
It is a legal requirement to notify the local authority of a private fostering arrangement.
Failure to notify may place a child at risk and may result in legal action.