Private fostering

There are a number of disruptions to Council services because of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please check the link below before accessing any of our services.

For details of disruptions and for advice and guidance visit www.stockton.gov.uk/coronavirus

Private fostering arrangements 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 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 care for someone else’s child for 28 days or more this may be a private fostering arrangement. If you answer “yes” to the criteria below, you may be a private foster carer.

Do you look after a child who is not closely related to you?

Do they live with you?

Is this a private arrangement between you and the child’s parent?

Is this a full time arrangement?

Will it last for 28 days or more?

If you live in Stockton-on-Tees, private foster carers and parents must notify the Local Authority about the arrangement.

Please contact The Children's Hub on 01642 130080 or outside of normal business hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team Out of Hours Service on 08702 402994.