Private fostering
Local authorities throughout Britain are aware that there are children living within a private fostering arrangement. The process is legal.
A privately fostered child is a "child under 16 years (or if disabled, under 18 years of age) and is looked after for more than 28 days, 24 hour care by an adult who is not an immediate blood relative. The arrangements are made privately between parent and private foster carer".
Lambeth Council does not want to get in the way of private fostering arrangements but we have a duty to ensure that the welfare of the child is promoted and safeguarded.
This section provides information about private fostering and Lambeth Council's responsibilities.
Information on legal definitions of privately fostered children.
Information for children who are in private foster care arrangements.
Information about community member responsibilities in regard to private fostering of children.
Information for parents of children in private fostering arrangements.
Information about private foster carer responsibilities.
Information on what to do if there is a change in a private foster care arrangement.
Information about formal agreements for private foster care arrangements.
Information about Lambeth Council's responsibilities in regard to private fostering of children.