Private fostering is when parents arrange for someone else to look after their children. However, many parents do not know that in certain circumstances, they must let the council know as it could be something known as a ‘private fostering’.
If you are looking after someone else’s child – or a parent planning for your child to live away from home – you must get in touch with Bracknell Forest council if:
- the children in question are 16 or younger (18 if they have a disability)
- the carer (known as a private foster carer) is not a close relative
- the arrangement will last for 28 days or more
Cllr. Megan Wright, cabinet member for children, young people and health said:
“It’s really brave when families recognise they need help and wonderful when people step up to look after their friend’s or neighbour’s children when they’re having a tough time.”
Peter Hodges, head of life chances, added:
“If you haven’t let us know about any private care arrangement for your children, or you are not sure it’s private fostering, it’s important you give us a call or email us now.
“Our job is to check that your arrangement is working well and that a plan is in place so that everyone involved is happy, confident, safe and - importantly - that children are settled in a new home and get all the support they need.”
There are many valid, practical reasons for a child to live away from home. These can include:
- separation, divorce or problems at home
- problems with housing
- the child is a teenager and living with the family of their girlfriend or boyfriend
- a parent might have a long-term illness and can’t look after their child the way they want to
- a parent may need to work away from home or work long hours, making it difficult to provide the home life they would like for their child
- the child has travelled to the UK for education or health reasons
- a child has been separated from their parents when travelling to the UK and living with someone in their faith or ethnic community
More information
For more information about private fostering and how to report it, visit Private fostering information for parents and carers.
Parents, carers or children can also contact the Private Fostering team by:
- phone: 01344 352005
- email: private.fostering@bracknell-forest.gov.uk
