Private fostering

Private fostering is the term used when a parent or guardian places a child, under school leaving age, in the care of someone who is not a close relative or an approved foster carer, for a period of more than 28 days.

By law we need to be told about private fostering arrangements. In Midlothian you can do this by contacting the Family Centred Care Team using the contact details below.

We have a responsibility to secure the welfare of all privately fostered children, so we need to carry out a number of checks.

The most important aspect of private fostering is the safety and welfare of the child.

Find out about Private Fostering on the Scottish Government website