Kirklees Together

We’re sending an important message to families, professionals and members of the public – help us to support children by being aware of private fostering.

Children under 16 (or 18 if they have a disability) are classed as privately fostered when, for 28 days or more, they are cared for on a full-time basis by adults who are not their parent, legal guardian or a close relative.

It’s important to tell the council about these arrangements so that the child and their carer can be given the right support and advice.

If you’re looking after someone else’s child – or if you know a child in Kirklees who is living with people who are not close relatives (a grandparent, brother, sister, step parent, aunt or uncle) – please get in touch.

Examples of private fostering arrangements may include:

• Children living with family friends due to family difficulties, relationship breakdown, illness or parental separation
• Teenagers staying with the family of a boyfriend, girlfriend or friend for an extended period
• Children with parents living overseas who come to live with a family in the UK for education or healthcare purposes
• Children whose parents work long or unsociable hours and have arranged for another adult to provide full-time care

How you can help:

Wherever possible, parents and legal guardians should notify Kirklees Council at least six weeks before their child enters a private fostering arrangement. If the arrangement is made in an emergency, tell us straight away. You are still responsible for key decisions affecting your child and you should ensure the proposed carer is suitable and has all the relevant information.

If you are a private foster carer, tell the council as soon as you know the arrangement will last for 28 days or more.

If you are a child or young person who thinks they may be living in a private fostering arrangement, contact us for advice. You have the right to be listened to and to have your wishes and feelings considered.

If you work with children – for example in a school, as a youth worker or as a health professional – you have a responsibility to be aware of the possibility of private fostering arrangements. Professionals are often well placed to identify when a child may be living away from their parents or close relatives and should consider whether private fostering is in place. If you know, or think, a child is being privately fostered, contact the council.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe. Members of the public should contact the council if they know, or think, a child is being privately fostered.

To report a private fostering arrangement or seek further advice, email fostering@kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 456848. Children and young people can also speak confidentially to Childline on 0800 1111 (free, 24 hours a day).