Private fostering

Private fostering can occur for many reasons such as:

• children going to live with a friend's family after separation, divorce or arguments at home
• children coming from abroad to access education and health services
• teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend

It does not refer to children on weekend or holiday visits.

If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be a private foster carer.

1. Do you look after a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they have a disability) who is not closely related to you?
2. Do they live with you?
3. Is this a private arrangement between you and the child's parent?
4. Is this a full-time arrangement?
5. Will it last for 28 days or more?

If you live in Stockton-on-Tees, you must notify the Local Authority if you have a private fostering arrangement.

Contact The Children's Hub on 01429 284284.