Article: Private Fostering Article Body Private fostering is the term used where a parent makes a private arrangement for their child to be looked after by someone other than a close relative for more than 27 days without the involvement of the local authority/council. There are a number of circumstances and reasons why parents make arrangements for their children to be looked after by someone else. Examples include: teenagers who move in with their friends's family when they do not get on with their own family children staying with a cousin or neighbour while a parent is in hospital children who have been sent from overseas for education or health needs children living elsewhere due to parents working unsocialble hours children living with extended family, friends, or neighbours while parents are having difficulties children on holiday exchanges. Many parents may not realise that by getting another person to look after their child they are in fact making a private fostering arrangement and as such they are required by law to let the council know what they are doing. Whether you're a child or a young person, a parent, a carer or a professional we've provided all you need to know about private fostering on the following pages. Children and young people - Who looks after you? Parents - Is your child living with someone else? Carers - Is someone else's child living with you? Professionals - Essential facts you need to know. Useful websites Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board Watch Somebody Else's Child - a guide to private fostering. Contact us By post to: Duty Social Worker - Fostering, PO Box 679, Barnsley S70 9JE. Telephone: 01226 775876 from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday. Email: fostering@barnsley.gov.uk