Private Fostering
What is Private Fostering?
A private fostering arrangement is one that is made privately without the involvement of a local authority.The Children Act 1989 defines Private Fostering as:
where a child or young person under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is cared for and provided with accommodation, for 28 days or more, by someone who is not their parent, guardian or a close relative.
(Close relatives are defined as; step-parents, siblings, brothers or sisters of parents or grandparents).
(Close relatives are defined as; step-parents, siblings, brothers or sisters of parents or grandparents).
This law requires that any person who is privately fostering a child in Birmingham is required to notify Birmingham City Council. It is your legal responsibility to do this.
To notify Birmingham City Council that you are privately fostering a child you need to call and speak to the Children, Young People and Families Information, Advice and Support Service on 0121 303 1888.
There is more information about private fostering on the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) web site, Somebody Else’s Child.
Please note: Birmingham City Council is not responsible for the content of other organisations' web sites.