Private fostering occurs when a child under 16, or under 18 with a disability, is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative for 28 consecutive days or more. Close relatives include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and step-parents when married to a parent.
Parents and private foster carers have a legal responsibility to notify Somerset Council of these arrangements. These arrangements can happen for various reasons, and individuals may not always realise they constitute private fostering. Notification ensures the council can confirm the child's safety and well-being, offering advice, guidance, and support.
Kirsty, a private foster carer in Somerset, shared her positive experience, stating, "It has been the most rewarding thing in my life. I wasn’t expecting the amount of support we’ve had, and we’ve always had our social worker there when we need her." She encourages anyone involved in or considering private fostering to seek information and advice, adding, "Look it up, research it and speak to people about it. The support is there."
“"Private Fostering Awareness Day is an important opportunity to help more people understand what private fostering is and when Somerset Council needs to be notified. People may not realise that an arrangement they have in place is considered private fostering. By letting us know, families and carers can access advice, guidance and ongoing support, helping to ensure children receive the best possible care."
Councillor Heather Shearer urged anyone who thinks they may be privately fostering a child or knows of such an arrangement to contact Somerset Council for more information and to learn about the available support.
