Private Fostering

Private fostering is when children and young people under the age of 16 years, or under 18 if they are disabled, are cared for on a full-time basis by a person who is not their parent, who does not have parental responsibility or who is not a "close relative" for 28 days or more. Close relatives are defined as:

• grandparents
• brothers and sisters
• uncles and aunts, or
• step-parents (if married to the partner or in civil partnership).

Under the Private Fostering Arrangements (2005), professionals who come into contact with children, for example teachers, religious leaders, health care staff are under a duty to inform the Children and Families Service about any private fostering arrangements they are made aware of.

Further information

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board: Private Fostering