If you're the child's parent

Before your child is privately fostered

The private foster carer's local council will check that they're able to look after your child.

The checks are different for each council. They'll explain these checks to you before they make them. They'll normally check:

with the police
with their referees (character witnesses)
the home where the child will be living
their existing family – such as the number of other children already living with them

Tell the foster carer's local council about a private foster care arrangement

You must tell the private foster carer's local council if you want your child to live with them for more than 28 days.

You should tell the council at least 14 days before your child moves. This is to give them time to check your child will be well looked after.

Contact the private foster carer's local council about a private foster care arrangement

If your child is living with a close relative, you do not need to tell their local council.

A close relative of the parent or child includes:

grandparents
brothers or sisters
aunts or uncles
fathers-in-law or mothers-in-law
sons-in-law or daughters-in-law
brothers-in-law or sisters-in-law
partners of any of the people listed

A close family friend includes a:

close friend of the parent
neighbour
godparent

When your child is privately fostered

You'll still have all parental responsibilities and rights while your child is in private foster care. You should agree with the private foster carer about what decisions they'll be able to make about the child.

The private foster carer's local council will visit regularly to check your child is being cared for. They'll also keep in touch with you to offer help and advice.

Your local council may remove your child from a private foster carer if they have concerns about their safety.

You can end the private foster care arrangement at any time.

Financial arrangements

You should make financial arrangements with the private foster carer for looking after your child. They'll not get any financial help from their local council.

The private foster carer may be able to claim Child Benefit. This is paid to anyone raising:

a child under 16
a young person under 20 who is in approved education or training

Only one person can get Child Benefit for each child. If you want the private foster carer to claim Child Benefit, you'll need to stop claiming for the same child.

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Information

Before your child is privately fostered

Tell the foster carer's local council about a private foster care arrangement

Who is a close relative or family friend

When your child is privately fostered

Financial arrangements