Private Fostering Briefing

Cheshire West & Chester Safeguarding Children Partnership are hosting three 30-minute briefings on the theme of Private Fostering.

These briefings are suitable for everyone who works in any capacity with children in either paid or unpaid roles.

Understanding private fostering is crucial for several reasons, especially for those working with children, such as teachers, police officers, coaches, healthcare workers, youth workers and social care staff.

Here’s why this knowledge matters:

Safeguarding Children - Private fostering arrangements can involve vulnerable children who may not be receiving adequate care. Awareness ensures that these children are identified and supported appropriately.

Legal Compliance - There is a legal duty for carers, parents, and professionals (ie anyone in the Children’s workforce) to notify the local authority of private fostering arrangements. Failure to do so can result in missed safeguarding opportunities and legal consequences.

Promoting Child Welfare - Knowledge of private fostering helps ensure children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs are met.

Raising Awareness - Many private fostering cases go unreported due to lack of awareness.

Supporting Families - Understanding private fostering allows professionals to guide families through the process, ensuring they receive the help and resources they need.

Professional Responsibility - Teachers, doctors, and other professionals are often the first to notice when a child is living in a private fostering arrangement. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond is part of your safeguarding role.

There are currently no dates for this event.