Knowsley Council is supporting Private Fostering Awareness Day which takes place on 5 November 2025.
It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about private fostering – a care arrangements where a child is looked after by someone who is not their parent(s) for more than 28 days.
It’s important that if you are looking after someone else’s child in a private fostering arrangement that you notify the council as soon as possible.
What is private fostering?
Private fostering is when a person, who is not the parent(s), is looking after a child or young person who is under the age of 16, (or under 18 years if the young person has a disability) for more than 28 days.
Examples can include if a parent is ill and could be in hospital, children from overseas who visit this country for health or education reasons, young people who are living with a friend / boyfriend / girlfriend due to their parents separating, children who are on sports or music sponsorships living away from their families.
Why do I need to notify the council?
It is a legal requirement for anyone in this arrangement to inform the council, and then support can be offered.
The council will carry out some essential steps to make sure that the child or young person being looked after is safe, well cared for and happy as well as providing carers’ with fostering support and guidance.
If you are a parent making private fostering arrangements or a carer about to enter into a private fostering agreement, please get in touch with our Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) before the arrangement begins.
To contact the team and for more information call 0151 443 2600 for visit the Knowsley Safeguarding Children Partnership website.
Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said “If you are going to look after a child for more than 28 days, or if you are a parent or carer who is putting this arrangement in place, please get in touch with us before the arrangement begins, or as soon as it starts.
“It means we can offer support to both the child and the carers. We can provide advice about issues including education and benefit entitlement, which could help increase stability for the child and the family.”