As from 1 July 2005, the Government introduced new legislation and guidance on private fostering.

Private fostering is when a child or young person aged under 16 (or under 18 if they are disabled), is cared for and provided with accommodation for 28 days or more by an adult who is not a close relative. A close relative is an aunt, uncle, step-parent, grandparent or sibling, but not a cousin, great aunt/uncle or a family friend.

Private fostering is different from public fostering as the arrangement is normally organised between the parent and carer. Public fostering would involve children who are in Surrey’s care.

There are many private fostering situations. These can include:

• Children or young people who are sent to this country for education or health care by their birth parents from overseas.
• Children or young people whose parents are from overseas and who work or study long and/or antisocial hours.
• Children or young people who are living with a friend's family as a result of parental separation, divorce or arguments at home.
• Children or young people living with their partner's family.

Surrey County Council has a legal duty to ensure that any child or young person is in a suitable and safe private fostering arrangement. We will make regular visits to your child and his/her private foster carer, and are able to provide help and advice where necessary.

The law requires that Surrey County Council is notified of any proposed private fostering arrangement six weeks prior to it starting. If the arrangement is starting within six weeks or is an existing arrangement then you should notify us immediately.

If you are aware of a child or young person who may be in a private fostering arrangement or who may potentially be placed in a private fostering arrangement, you should contact us immediately.

It is an offence not to notify Surrey County Council of a private fostering arrangement.

If your child is or will be in a private fostering arrangement or you are going to be a private foster carer then please contact the Contact Centre (Children), contact details as follows:

Tel: 0300 200 1006

E-mail: contact.centre-children@surreycc.gov.uk