What do I have to do if I am privately fostering or my child is privately fostered?

Any parent, private foster carer, or anyone else involved in making a private fostering arrangement, must notify the Council in which the child will be, or is placed. Contact details for Westminster Children and Community Services are listed below, or you can complete the form below and send that to us. You will need to supply details about the child and the placement as soon as possible, preferably at least six weeks before the placement begins.

You could be breaking the law if you fail to notify the Council (as a parent or a carer) about a private fostering arrangement.

Whilst the parent retains parental responsibility for the child, the private foster carer becomes responsible for the day to day care of the child in a way which will promote his/her welfare. It is very important that the parent and private foster carer agree on how the child will be cared for.