Changes in private foster care arrangement

This section describes what to do if there is a change in the private fostering arrangement.

Child moving to another care provider

According to regulation 10 (1) of the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, if a child moves from a private foster carer, the former carer must notify Lambeth Council in writing within 48 hours, stating the name and address of the person into whose care the child has been received.

A parent or other person with parental responsibility for the child also has a duty to notify Lambeth Council in whose area the child was privately fostered, of the ending of the arrangement and of any change in his or her own address.

Child has died

According to regulation 10(2) of the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, if the child dies, the private foster carer must immediately notify Lambeth Council to report the death.

Lambeth Council should ensure that the parents are notified, immediately. Lambeth Council may need to assist the private foster carer with the formalities and in any event will need to consider the implications of what has happened.

Any agency that is concerned about the cause of death of a privately fostered child may refer the case to the Local Safeguarding Children Board.