Private Fostering

Responsibilities of the Local Authority:

They must determine if the placement is right for the child
They will visit the child & parent within 2 weeks of being informed
Visit parents/ Guardian and Private foster carers
Obtain a full medical assessment of the child
If possible ask the child on their view of the placement
Regularly visit where the child is staying
Obtain a medical certificate of carers to assess their ability to care for the child
Write a report stating if placement is appropriate and give to carer & parent
Visit the child every 3 months up to 1 year, and after that every 6 months until deemed necessary

Responsibilities of Carers:

A parent should contact the social work department at least 2 weeks prior to you caring for the child and you should also do the same. It should be done in writing
If the child is placed in an emergency situation contact SW within 7 days
You must allow social work to visit and interview in order to ensure that the child is safe and cared for
If you change address while caring for the child you must inform SW and what area you are moving to
Inform SW within 48 hours if the child dies or is removed from your care