Last updated by jodie.attreed@essex.gov.uk on Monday, March 30, 2026
When a child/young person under 16 (18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not a close relative for more than 28 days, this is called ‘Private Fostering’. The law considers a close relative to be a grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt or step-parent.
It is a legal requirement for parents and private foster carers to notify the Local Authority when a private fostering arrangement is made. This needs to happen at least six weeks before the arrangement is due to start, or if the child/young person arrives suddenly, no more than 48 hours after he or she has arrived.
Private Fostering is a private arrangement that is made between the parent and the private foster carer. Private foster carers are not Local Authority Foster Carers and the children/young people within the arrangements are not Looked After Children.