Most children spend some time staying with relatives or friends. Sometimes a temporary arrangement can become more long term and when it does, it may be classed as private fostering.

Private fostering is when a child up to the age of 16 (or 18 if the child has a disability) is placed for more than 28 days in the care of someone who is not a close relative, guardian or someone with parental responsibilities.

If you're involved in this kind of arrangement, the law says that you must notify Middlesbrough Council about it.

For more information, please click on the link below:

https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/children-families-and-safeguarding/fostering-and-adoption/private-fostering