Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if they have a disability) is cared for by someone who is not their parent or a close relative. This is a private arrangement made between a parent and a carer for 28 days or more.
Cousins, great aunts/uncles and family friends are not close relatives.
Close relatives are:
- step-parents
- grandparents
- brothers and sisters
- uncles or aunts (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage/civil partnership).
If you live in Sandwell, the law says you must tell us if:
- your child is being privately fostered
- you are caring for someone else's child as a private foster carer.
If you want to tell us about a private fostering arrangment, have any questions or need to ask anything about being a privately fostered child, please contact us.
The Private Fostering Service is part of Sandwell Children's Trust
