What if I already privately foster but did not know that it I had to tell Lewisham Children’s Social Care
You should contact Lewisham Children’s Social Care and
explain the situation. Staff there will be pleased to
take your details and explain the first stage of the
assessment process. Please remember that if you are
involved in a private fostering arrangement, and you don’t notify us – you are committing an offence, and could risk a fine.
If you are involved, or likely to be involved in a private
fostering arrangement and have not already told, or if you
are in any doubt as to whether the regulations might apply to you, you should seek advice from the Lewisham Referral
and Assessment Team.
Why do Lewisham Children’s Social Care need to get involved?
Lewisham have a legal duty to ensure that your child is being looked after safely and that the arrangement is suitable for your child. We will make regular visits to your child and his/her private foster carer, and we are able to provide help and advice where necessary. If the private foster carer is not giving you enough information or you are unhappy about the standard of care your child is receiving, then you should contact the Referral and Assessment Team as soon as possible. We, in partnership with you, will do our best to ensure that your child is safe and well looked after.