Care by Family and Friends

When a child is unable to stay living with his/her birth parents, rather than being allocated a Foster Carer by the Local Authority, they are often looked after by extended family or friends.

In this area of our website you can find out about the legal framework which supports the various kinds of care provided by family and friends. You can also find information about the support available to family and friends carers, both from Reading Borough Council Children’s Services and other organisations.

Guidance about Family and Friends Care Link to statutory guidance for Family and Friends Care
Legal Framework for Different Kinds of Family and Friends Care
Policy on the Placement of Children with Family and Friends Guidance for staff involved in the planning for Children and Young People who are unable, or who may be unable to return to live with their birth parents.
Private Fostering If you provide full-time care to a child who is not a relative and for whom you do not have parental responsibility, this is a private fostering arrangement and you have a legal obligation to notify the council
Training and Support for Family and Friends Carers
Useful Organisations for Family and Friends Carers Signposting to other organisations offering support for people looking after other people's children.