Let us know if you’re looking after someone else’s child

Examples of private fostering

Examples of private fostering include:

  • children and young people who are sent to this country for education or health care
  • a teenager living with a friend’s family because of a break down of the relationships at their home
  • children or teenagers on school holiday exchanges
  • a child is left with the unmarried partner of their parent because the parent is away for work or another reason
  • where children stay with host families during term time so they can attend professional sports coaching or study at language schools

What to do if you know of a private fostering arrangement?

The law says that in a private fostering situation, the local authority has a legal duty to make sure these children are safe and well cared for.

If you're:

  • a parent that is entering into a private fostering arrangement
  • someone that's caring for someone else’s child
  • an education, health or social care professional who knows or suspect that a child is being privately fostered

You have a legal duty to let Children’s Services know. Tell us about a private fostering arrangement or if you're unsure ask us any questions.


Contact us

Email: SGOandPrivateFosteringSupportTeam@birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk

Telephone: 0121 303 2621

  • Monday–Thursday: 9am–5pm
  • Friday: 9am–4pm

Emergency out-of-hours

Telephone: 0121 675 4806