What if I already privately foster but did not know that I had to tell Children and Community Services?

You should contact the Children and Community Services department and explain the situation. Staff there will be pleased to take your details and explain the first stage of the assessment process.

Please remember that if you are involved in a private fostering arrangement, and you don't notify us - you are committing an offence, and could risk a fine.

If you are involved, or likely to be involved in a private fostering arrangement and have not already told Children and Community Services, or if you are in any doubt as to whether the regulations might apply to you, you should seek advice from the Children and Community Services team.