Private fostering

If you are looking after a child in a private fostering arrangement then the following information is important to you.

Private fostering is when a parent or guardian places a child who is under school leaving age in the care of someone else, who is not a close relative or an officially approved foster carer, for a period of more than 28 days.

Although the arrangement is private we have a duty to ensure the child/young person's welfare and the arrangements and carers are satisfactory.

Social Work must visit a child in a private fostering arrangement every three months for the first year of a placement, and every six months in other circumstances.  A written report must be provided on each visit.

For more information you can read  Are you looking after someone else's child? which is on the Scottish Government's website.

If you or anyone you know is privately fostering a child you must notify your local social work office.