Private Fostering Guidance

Parents

What should you tell the carer?

You should make sure that the person who is looking after your child has as much information about them as possible. This will include information about their health, school records, religious and cultural requirements, eating preferences, hobbies, likes and dislikes.

Are you giving up your rights to your child?

You are not giving up any rights to your child, as your child is only being looked after temporarily. You still retain parental responsibility for your child and should be involved in all decisions concerning your child’s development and upbringing. Frequent contact with your child is important so you can help make these decisions.

What will Haringey’s Children and Young People’s Services do for me and my child?

Haringey has a duty to find out whether the carer is suitable to care for your child. We will make regular visits to see your child and will provide support and advice where appropriate.

What if I can’t find out what is happening to my child?

If you have any concerns about your child’s welfare, do not hesitate – contact us for assistance.

Carers

If I intend to foster a child privately, what do I need to do?

You need to contact us as soon as the arrangement is made or at least six weeks before the child comes to you. If it is an emergency situation Children Services should be notified within 48 hours.

What information do I need to have?

You should make sure the child’s parents give you as much information as possible about the child, including their health, school records, religious and cultural requirements, eating preferences, hobbies and likes and dislikes. This will help you understand the child and take better care of him or her.

If I need help or advice while I am privately fostering where do I go?

You should contact the Local Authority for advice and in some cases a range of support services may be available to you.  

Will I be able to claim Social Security benefits?

You may be able to claim tax credits and/or social security benefits such as Child Benefit and possibly Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance, if you receive Child Benefit. Your local Benefits Agency office will be able to advise you.

 What do I do when the child leaves my care?

You must tell us within 48 hours that the child has left your care. You must also give the name and address of the person who will be caring for the child in the future.

Information for children and young people who are privately fostered

How do I know if I am privately fostered?

You are considered privately fostered if you’re under 16 (or under 18 if you’re disabled) and your parents or close family member asks someone who is not a close relative to look after you in their own home, as if you were their own child, for 28 days or more.

The person who looks after you in their home is called a private foster carer. A close relative is defined as step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whether of full blood, half blood or by marriage).

The Council has a duty to make sure that every child in Haringey is safe and properly cared for. If you are being privately fostered, we need to know who is looking after you and where you live. You can contact us using the details below.

Contact us

Email: privatefostering@haringey.gov.uk

Phone number: 020 8489 1768 or 020 8489 5470