Private Fostering
Private fostering happens when a child is being looked after by someone other than a close relative for more than 28 days.
It is different to a fostering arrangement organised by the local authority and applies to any child up to the age of 16, or under 18 if the young person has a disability.
It is a legal requirement to notify Oldham Local Authority when parents make arrangements for their child (children) to be cared for by someone other than a parent or close relative (for example; friends, neighbours or extended family) for 28 days or more.
Who is considered a close relative?
- Child's grandparents
- Parents
- Older brothers or sisters
- Blood-related aunts and uncles
- Any carer with a Residence Order or Special Guardianship Order (granted by UK courts).
A child's cousins, great aunts and uncles, as well as parent's ex-partners, family friends and neighbours are not close relatives, even though they may have a close relationship with the child.
To notify the local authority of private fostering:
Please contact us: Call: 0161 770 7777
email: child.mash@oldham.gov.uk