Private Fostering

A private fostering arrangement happens when a child under 16 (or 18 if a child with disability) is cared for by someone who is not their parent, guardian, or close relative, for more than 28 days. Close relatives include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or step-parents. 

By law, the local County Council must be notified as it has a duty to assess and monitor the child's welfare in any private fostering arrangement. The Local Authority will also support the arrangement and the private foster carer with six weekly statutory visits. 

If you are aware of a child being privately fostered (as an individual or organisation such as a school, GP, or place of worship), you must contact Oxfordshire’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) via phone on 0345 050 7666 or email to: mash-children@Oxfordshire.gov.uk. 

For queries, please email. Private.Fostering@Oxfordshire.gov.uk or call 01865 323126 

For further information please visit Oxfordshire County Council website and type Private Fostering