Private fostering is when a child or young person under 16 years old (or 18 if they have a disability) is looked after for 28 days or more by someone who is not a close relative, guardian or person with parental responsibility. Close relatives include parents, step parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
It is not private fostering if the arrangement was made by East Ayrshire Council, or the person looking after the child is an approved foster carer.
People become private foster carers for all sorts of reasons. Private foster carers can be a friend of the child's family, or be someone who is willing to care for the child of a family they do not know.
Common situations are:
- children and young people living apart from their families
- children with parents overseas
- children living with host families for a variety of reasons
- children on holiday exchanges which last more than 27 days
If you think you might be involved in a private fostering arrangement or you would like more information on private fostering, contact us on the details below.