Private fostering

Private fostering is an arrangement where a child or young person under the age of 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled) is looked after full time for more than 28 consecutive days by an adult who is not their:

• Parent, stepparent, or legal guardian
• Grandparent
• Brother or sister
• Aunt or uncle

The arrangement is made between the child’s parents and the private foster carer whose responsibility is the day-to-day care of the child. Private fostering often occurs where:

• A teenager who is not getting on with their parents goes to live with a friend’s family
• Parents pay someone to care for their children while they are away working or studying
• Children are sent from abroad to live
• Children are placed with a family friend or relative as a result of parental separation, divorce, arguments at home, or a parent being hospitalised.

Use our screening tool to help identify Private Fostering

Please contact Islington’s Children's Services Contact Team, 020 7527 7400, csctreferrals@islington.gov.uk for advice and to make a referral.