Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Private Fostering

It is estimated that over 15,000 children in England are privately fostered. However many of these are unreported, despite legal requirements under the Children Act. Please check if this applies to you.

What is private fostering?

Private Fostering is very different from the care of children provided by local councils through approved foster carers. It occurs when a child under 16 (if disabled, under 18) is looked after for more than 28 days by an adult that is not a relative, by private arrangement between parent and carer.

This arrangement could be due to factors such as children living with a friend's family after separation, divorce or arguments at home, children coming from abroad to access education and health systems or teenagers living with the family of a boyfriend or girlfriend. It does not refer to children on weekend or holiday visits.

Are you privately fostering?

If you know or you are unsure about whether you are privately fostering or whether your children are being privately fostered, please contact the relevant Council (Local Authority).

If you live in the borough of Stockton-on-Tees contact the First Contact Team or, if outside of normal business hours, contact the Emergency Social Work Services - Out of Hours Service.