The family placements service does not place children in private fostering arrangements.
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (or under 18 if disabled) is placed by the parent in the care of someone who is not a parent or close relative to the child. This is done through a private agreement made between the parent(s) and the carer for 28 days or more.
A close relative is defined as a:
The local authority does not get involved with these private arrangements until the placement has gone on for 28 days or more. After this time the local authority has a duty to check the child is safe. This is done by the referral and assessment team.
Private fostering situations could involve:
By law, the parent or carer should notify the education and children's services of a private fostering arrangement. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and they could risk a fine. This is to make sure the private arrangement is suitable and the child is being properly looked after.
We don't know exactly how many children are privately fostered but in 2001 the Department of Health estimated there could be as many as 10,000 in England and Wales.
It is feared that some of these 'invisible' children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking. This was highlighted by the tragic death of Victoria Climbie who had been privately fostered.
Professionals should make sure the education and children's services are aware of any child/young person in a private fostering arrangement.
Professionals who come into regular contact with children and young people, such as teachers, doctors and youth workers, can help to identify privately fostered children and keep them safe – either contact us directly, or encourage the child's parent or carer to contact us.
Once children's services are notified of a private fostering arrangement, a social worker will check the suitability of the arrangement and continue to make regular visits to make sure the child is safe and well cared for. They will also offer support and advice to the carers. Any financial support to the private foster carers is the responsibility of the parent (s).
Parents of the child will also have the reassurance that the council is monitoring the care of their child and they can contact us if they have any concerns.
The council can remove a child from a private foster care placement if there are concerns for the child's welfare.
If you think a child might be in a private fostering arrangement, please contact first response team on 01753 690898 or 01753 875591. If we do not know about these children, they remain hidden and we are powerless to safeguard them.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
01753 875030
MyCouncil
Landmark Place
High Street, Slough
SL1 1JL, opposite
Slough Library
MyCouncil opening times.
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