Formal agreements for private foster care arrangements

Establishing a written contract between the intended or actual private foster carer and the parent or the person who has parental responsibility is encouraged and understood by Lambeth Council to be in the interest of all parties involved in private fostering arrangements where:

• a private foster carer has the day to day care of the privately fostered child
• the parent(s) or person who has Parental Responsibility for the child continues to be accountable and involved in the child's welfare, during the private fostering arrangements.

The contract between the private foster carer and the child's parent(s) will help both parties to understand what is happening, such as:

• the expected duration of the private fostering arrangement
• who has the financial responsibility for the child’s welfare?
• when will a privately fostered child have contact with his or her parent(s) and significant others.