Hull City Council is marking this week’s Private Fostering Week 2025 by raising awareness of what private fostering is, why families and carers must notify the council, and the support available to ensure children in private fostering arrangements are safe and well cared for.
Private Fostering Week aims to help professionals and the public recognise private fostering arrangements and understand their legal responsibilities.
Understanding private fostering
Private fostering is when a child or young person under 16 – or under 18 if they have a disability – lives with someone who is not a parent or close relative for more than 28 days. Close relatives include parents, step-parents, siblings, siblings of a parent and grandparents.
These arrangements may be agreed between families and carers, or may arise from unexpected situations such as a teenager staying with a friend’s family, a parent’s illness or hospital admission, a prison sentence, or other family crises. Parents retain full parental responsibility throughout the arrangement.
Legal responsibility to notify the council
By law, private foster carers, parents and anyone involved in arranging the care must inform the Children’s Services department of the arrangement six weeks before it begins, or as soon as possible if already in place.
Once notified, a social worker will visit the home, speak to the child and the carer, complete an assessment and ensure the young person is safe. The council will also provide advice, guidance and ongoing support to help carers meet the child’s needs.
Support available for private foster carers
Once a private fostering arrangement is known to the council, a range of support can be offered, including:
- Guidance on financial help and benefits
- Parenting advice from social workers or Hull Fostering
- Support to help families in crisis stay connected and, where appropriate, reunite
How to notify Hull City Council
If you are caring for a child who is not your close relative for more than 28 days, and the child is under 16 (or under 18 if disabled), you must inform the council.
To notify Hull City Council:
- Call: 01482 448 879
- Visit the Hull Children Young People and Families Self-Service Hub to make a referral or contact the service.
- Learn more about private fostering at Hull Fostering.
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “We want to make sure people understand the legal duty to tell us if they are privately fostering a child. These situations happen for many different reasons, and informing the council is not about criticism or interference – it is about making sure every child is safe and supported.
“Whether a teenager is staying with a friend’s family, or a parent needs temporary help due to illness or other pressures, letting us know ensures we can offer guidance, reassurance and practical support to carers and families.
“Hull City Council will continue working with partners, families and carers to ensure children in private fostering arrangements are protected, supported and given the best possible start.”
