For more information contact

Children and Family Services on 300 300or visit our website: www.hullcc.gov.uk

Alternatively write to us at:Children and Family ServicesAccess and Assessment TeamBrunswick HouseStrand CloseHullHU2 9DB

This document is available in other formats: large print, audioand Braille and other languages as appropriate. Call 300 300.

2319 P&S 190

Are you staying with somebodywho is not a close relative?

If this is happening for you thenthis is private fostering.

What “Private Fostering” means

If you are under 16, (or under 18, if you are disabled) and you stay withsomeone for 28 days or more who looks after you instead of your close family,this person is called your private foster carer.

A private foster carer could be a neighbour, family friend or the parent of oneof your friends and your mum and dad will have agreed that they should lookafter you.

You might have decided you don’t want to stay at home anymore or it couldbe your parents’ decision. Whatever the reason, your parents, private fostercarers, school, doctor, or another agency must let children’s social careknow that you are no longer staying at home.

Talking with Social Workers

When you begin staying with your private foster carer a social worker willcome and talk to you privately to make sure you are happy and safe.

You should ask for the contact details of the social worker so you can get intouch when you need them.

The social worker will make sure your parents know what you’re up to and viceversa.

A social worker will visit you at least every six weeks for the first year and thenless regularly after that.

Meeting with a social worker is the chance for you and your private fostercarer to talk about the good and bad things that have been happening as well

as things that might be worrying you.

Seeing your parents

Your private foster carer and your parents will make arrangements for youto visit your parents. If this doesn’t happen, talk to your social worker whowill help with the arrangements.

Next steps

If you are not happy staying with your private foster carer, speak to yoursocial worker and they will try and help to make things better for you.

Useful contact details

TYS AdvocacyOffers support and advocacy to children and young people in Hull.

Phone 01482 615 602

Phone & Text 01482 421 734

E-mail targetedyouthsupport@hullcc.gov.uk

Childline - Phone 0800 1111This is a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people. You can ring this number and talk to a counsellor about any problems.

Tel: 01482 300 300 or visit our website: www.hullcc.gov.uk