If there are family members or friends available to provide support, the parent will normally consider them as the first option. Normally this is also given first priority by children's social workers. This philosophy is embodied in the Children Act 1989 which states that 'children are normally best looked after within their own family' and 'placements with relatives will often provide the best opportunities for promoting and maintaining family links in a familiar setting.' (Children Act 1989 and Volume 3 of the Children Act Guidance and Regulations – HMSO 1991) There would have to be significant concern for Social Services to look outside family members for care of children, if they were available.

When the carer is not a relative and the child stays with the person more than 28 days, they should inform Social Services Children and Family section. Social Services may inquire into the situation to ensure the child is cared for and safe. This is known as a private fostering.

If a relative or friend continues to provide care for the child or young person, Social Services could assess approving' this person as a foster carer and provide financial assistance. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the carer (including a police check to ensure the carer does not have a record of offences against children) and how the carer could meet the needs of the family.

These more formal arrangements may result in the family providing regular short term help, foster care or permanent long-term care. Practical issues such as making wills and guardians or housing may need to be taken into account.

From the parents and the child's point of view asking a relative to provide some form of care is often the best way of maintaining family links. The continuity for a child being in a familiar setting, the relationship between the child and relative and the advantage of the carer sharing the same race, culture and language should not be underestimated.

If families or friends are available to provide care for the children, there may not be any need to be in contact with agencies such as Social Services.