Private fostering laws could be updated in Guernsey and Alderney

Monday, 13 July 2026 17:52

Children living under private fostering arrangements in Guernsey and Alderney could be given stronger legal protection.

Private fostering is when a parent arranges for their child to live with someone who is not a close relative for more than three months. This could be because they are unwell or working away.

These kinds of arrangements currently fall under legislation from 1972.

In 2004, the States agreed that the law should be updated to reflect modern childcare practice.

Now in 2026, Health & Social Care has published proposals to modernise the law, to introduce "clearer, stronger safeguards".

The proposals would introduce regular checks on welfare, care and living arrangements until the child turns 18 or leaves compulsory education.

HSC also wants to make it a criminal offence for carers to fail to meet their legal responsibilities, which would be more clearly defined under the new law.

Other proposals include requiring social care professionals to have direct contact with privately fostered children and giving authorities stronger powers to remove children from unsuitable accommodation when necessary.

Comments on the proposals until 17th August, by emailing privatefosteringconsultation@gov.gg or sending a letter to Sir Charles Frossard House.