Private fostering | CoramBAAF

Private fostering is a private arrangement made between a parent and a responsible adult for the care of a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled). The person who will be looking after the child is not a parent or close relative of the child, and the arrangement is planned to last for at least 28 days.

Private foster carers may be from the extended family such as a cousin or great aunt. A private foster carer may be a friend of the family, the parent of a friend of the child, or someone previously unknown to the child’s family who is willing to privately foster the child.

The period for which the child is cared for and accommodated by the private foster carer should be continuous but can include the occasional short break. The local authority in which the private foster carer lives must be notified of the arrangement.

This section provides members with supplementary materials to develop their knowledge and practice for their work with privately fostered children, their carers and parents. Our range of resources include references, legal notes and material for raising awareness and working with private fostering arrangements. If you have more complex queries you should contact our Member Advice Line.

Private Fostering Awareness Day

Private Fostering Awareness Day (PFAD) is dedicated to raising awareness about private fostering. The objective is to inform the public about what private fostering entails and its significance.

Catch up on PFAD 2024

To improve the current scope of information, CoramBAAF created an online survey and publicised it through our membership communications and channels over a four-week period in July. We received 45 responses, though some duplicates and non-identifiable test responses were not usable. We have created a range of resources – including fact cards, posters, banners and templates – to help you spread information about private fostering.

Save the date for 2025

Private Fostering Awareness Day is a great opportunity to learn more about private fostering and how you can help. Whether you’re a professional in children’s services or someone who wants to make a difference, your involvement can help ensure that privately fostered children receive the support they need.

Questions and guidance

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Practice guidance

We have collated tips and guidance for professionals working with, and carers of, children in private fostering arrangements.

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Legal guidance

Take a look at our glossary of legal terms, case note examples, and the requirements around notifications to relevant authorities around private fostering arrangements.

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Ideas for raising awareness

Join us in raising awareness about private fostering. We have collected a range of ideas for you to be able to get involved.

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Latest publications

Private fostering: what it is and what it means

This short, colourful booklet is part of CoramBAAF’s series of publications for children and young people, which aim to explain concepts in adoption and fostering that they may find difficult to understand.