Private fostering

Do you look after a child that is not yours or do you know a child who is being looked after by someone who is not their guardian or parent? 

This is known as private fostering. If you know of a child who is in a private fostering arrangement you have a legal responsibility to let us know. 

Private fostering is defined as "When a child or young person under 16 years old (or 18 if they have a disability) is looked after by someone who is not a parent, close relative, guardian or person with parental responsibility for 28 days or more without the involvement of Gateshead Council."

Close relatives are:

• brothers and sisters
• aunts and uncles
• grandparents
• step-parents

An arrangement is likely to be private fostering if the child lives with:

• cousin
• friend
• neighbour
• host family
• great aunt/uncle
• great grandparent
• divorced step-parent
• an independent boarding school (if the child remains for more than two weeks during the holidays)
• cultural use of aunt or uncle who are no blood relation

Visit Safeguarding in Gateshead for further information about private fostering arrangements.