Looking after someone else’s child for an extended period could be private fostering, Powys council says

People across Powys are being encouraged to let the county council know if they are looking after somebody else’s child for an extended period, as it could be classed as private fostering.

Private fostering is when a child under 16, or under 18 if they are disabled, is cared for, for 28 days or more by someone who is not their parent, stepparent, guardian or close relative (grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt).

But you may be involved in a private fostering arrangement without thinking of yourself as a foster carer.

For example, private fostering could include a teenager living with a friend’s family because of difficulties at home, a child staying with a family friend while their parent is unwell or unable to care for them. a young person living with the family of their boyfriend or girlfriend for 28 days or more, a child staying with someone who is not a close relative because their parent is working or living away from home, a child from overseas staying with another family for an extended period for education or other reasons or a child living with a member of their wider family who is not legally regarded as a close relative for private fostering purposes.

These arrangements are often made privately between a child's parents and the person looking after them and can be a positive way of supporting a family through difficult circumstances.

However, if the arrangement lasts, or is expected to last, for 28 days or more, the council needs to know about it.

Councillor Sandra Davies, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Generations, said: “Private fostering can happen for all sorts of reasons and, in many cases, people may simply be helping a friend or family they know through a difficult time.

“They may not think of what they are doing as fostering, which is why we want to raise awareness of what private fostering means.

“If you’re caring for somebody else’s child, or you know of an arrangement that you think could be private fostering, please get in touch and talk to us. We can offer advice and support to everyone involved and work together to help keep the child safe and well.”

The council has a responsibility to make sure that children living in private fostering arrangements are safe and that their welfare is being properly safeguarded and promoted.

Anyone who thinks they may be involved in a private fostering arrangement, or knows about one, should contact Children's Services’ Front Door by email at: [email protected], telephone: 01597 827 666 during office hours or out of hours: 0845 054 4847

More information is available on the council's private fostering webpage: https://en.powys.gov.uk/privatefostering