Private Fostering A brief for those working with children and young people in the Tri Borough
W HAT IS P RIVATE F OSTERING ? A child/young person is privately fostered if he/she meets both of the following criteria: ◦ Is aged under 16 (or 18 if he/she has a disability) ◦ Is cared for by and living with someone for more than 28 days who is not his/her parent, does not have parental responsibility or is not a close relative (sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle or step-parent) But a child or young person is not privately fostered if: ◦ He/she is looked after under the Children Act 1989 (i.e. in the care of the local authority) ◦ The person caring for him her has done so for less than 28 days and does not intend to do so for longer than that.
Private foster carers may be from the extended family of the child or young person e.g. great aunt, great uncle or cousin. They may be friends of the family or non-relatives. Private foster carers may or may not receive money from the parent to care for the child. Local authorities have significant legal responsibilities under the Children Act 1989 in relation to safeguarding the welfare of children who are privately fostered.
I DENTIFICATION OF P RIVATE F OSTERING ARRANGEMENTS There are legal requirements for parents and carers to inform local authorities of proposed and existing private fostering arrangements. However, notification rates have been very low. This may be because: ◦ Parents and carers are unaware of the legal requirements ◦ People feel anxious and/or may have preconceptions about social work involvement ◦ There are few obvious benefits to the families of informing the local authority about the arrangement ◦ Those working with children are not always aware of the requirements, so have been unable to advise and encourage notification
R OLE OF OTHER AGENCIES Guidance states that local authorities should work with professionals across agencies to encourage private foster carers and parents to notify the local authority of private fostering arrangements. Failure by parents or carers to notify the local authority of a private fostering arrangement is an offence. If a local authority is not aware of arrangements then they cannot carry out their duty to satisfy themselves that the welfare of those children concerned is being satisfactorily safeguarded and promoted. Where professionals are not satisfied that the local authority has been or will be notified of the private fostering arrangement by the parents of carers, then as a matter of good practice, they should inform the local authority of this (as well as informing the carers/parents that they intend to do so). Referrals should be made to the relevant Front door. Telephone consultations are also available – contact the PF practitioner on 0207641 7564
W HAT HAPPENS FOLLOWING THE NOTIFICATION ? Following receipt of a notification, arrangements for an initial visit will be made within seven working days. An assessment of the suitability of the arrangement or proposed arrangement will be made by the Private Fostering Practitioner. This will look at key aspects of the child’s care, including their physical and emotional welfare, the meeting of their needs and the likely length of the arrangement. Once the assessment is completed and arrangement agreed, the allocated worker will complete regular visits for the duration of the arrangement. The allocated social worker is expected to speak to the child alone during these visits unless this is not felt appropriate. The arrangement will be monitored as well as the progress of the child. The social worker may be involved in providing advice and support to the carers and liaising with the parent. The local authority is able to impose requirements on carers if they are not satisfied with some aspects of the arrangement which can then be monitored. If carers are deemed to be unsuitable then there are a number of steps the local authority can take in relation to the prohibition and disqualification of people from privately fostering.
W HAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP ? Please think about all the families you work with – there is probably a private fostering arrangement that you know about – if there is, please tell us about it. Further information is available from CoramBAAF website: www.privatefostering.org.uk For more information visit: LSCB Private Fostering Or contact the Senior Practitioner for Private Fostering in the Tri Borough: Rochell- Ann Naidoo rnaidoo@westminster.gov.uk 0207641 7564
Recommend
More recommend
