Private Fostering

Private fostering happens when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not their parent or a close relative for 28 days or more. Close relatives include grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts, whether by blood, half-blood, marriage or affinity. In South Gloucestershire, private fostering arrangements must meet specific legal requirements.

Your legal responsibility

If you are involved in a private fostering arrangement, the law requires you to notify your local council because early notification helps protect the child and ensures proper support.

Parents: If your child is staying with someone who is not a close relative for 28 days or longer, you must inform the council.

Carers: If you will be looking after someone else’s child for 28 days or more, you are legally required to notify the council.

Report a private fostering arrangement today:

• Call South Gloucestershire Council on 01454 866000
• For alternative formats or languages: 01454 868009

Why you must notify

Notifying the council is not just a formality; it is a legal requirement. By doing so, you help ensure the child is safe, well cared for, and that their needs are consistently met.

What South Gloucestershire Council will do

Once you notify us, we will take several steps to safeguard the child and support the carer:

• Visit regularly – we will speak to the child and carer at home to check that everything is suitable
• Talk to parents – we make sure everyone understands their responsibilities and the child’s needs
• Provide advice and support – for example, we can help with welfare benefits and, where appropriate, work to reunite the child with their parents

If the arrangement turns out to be unsuitable and the child cannot return home, then we will act immediately to protect them. In such cases, this may involve providing extra support for the carer; alternatively, in more serious situations, it could mean taking the child into care.

Need advice before you notify?

If you would like to discuss your situation before notifying the council, call Fosterline, the foster carers’ advice line: 0800 040 7675

Do you know a child who is privately fostered?

If you know of a child who is living with someone other than their family, please do not ignore it. While it is likely that everything is fine, nevertheless, it is essential to act because it is a legal requirement to inform the council. In the South Gloucestershire area, private fostering must always be reported.

Call 01454 866000