Private fostering

Information for health, education and social care professionals

Many private foster carers still do not know that they are legally required to notify us. This means we are unable to make sure the child's welfare is safeguarded.

Professionals within the education, health and social care fields need to help us by ensuring they identify and notify us of private fostering arrangements.

If you know, or suspect, that a child is being privately fostered and you think we may be unaware then please tell us or encourage the parent/carer to do so.

Children's Services initial response
Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), Civic Offices, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL

: 01375 652 802

: thurrockmash@thurrock.gov.uk