Private fostering - looking after someone else’s child

If you are looking after a child in your home for 28 days or longer and you are not the child’s parent or close relative, this is known as private fostering.

To help keep children and young people safe, the government has made it the law for anyone looking after someone else’s child to tell their local Council. In return, the Council has a duty to ensure that you are provided with any support or advice you need whilst you are looking after the child. If you live in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, you can do this by phoning our Initial Response Team.

What does the law say?

The private fostering law applies to anyone looking after a child who is not the child’s mother, father, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt. A child means anyone under the age of 16 (or a disabled young person under the age of 18).

The law says that you must tell us at least six weeks before the child comes to live with you, although if you are already privately fostering a child or in an emergency situation you should let us know within 48 hours.

What can I do to support the child?

To give the child the best support, you should try to get as much information as you can from the child’s parents about their health, eating preferences, school, hobbies, religion and ethnic or cultural background.

What support can I get?

If the child is in some need, for health or social reasons, we may be able to offer you support or advice. We can help you find other organisations that can offer you support or training.

Will I be able to claim benefits?

You may be able to claim tax credits and/or social security benefits like Child Benefit, and possibly Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance, if you receive Child Benefit. You should contact the Job Centre Plus for more information about benefits you are entitled to.

What if the child leaves my care?

You must tell us within 48 hours that the child is no longer in your care. You must give us the name and address of the person who will be caring for the child.

Contact details

Please contact the Initial Response Team by telephone: 020 8891 7969, if you need to ask more questions or let us know about private fostering.