‘Private Family Arrangements’ for Children in Ireland: The Informal Grey Space In-Between State Care and the Family Home

Abstract The literature on alternative care focuses overwhelmingly formal, court-ordered placements; voluntary placements are discussed less frequently. Least attention of all has been given to informal kinship placements, where a child is cared for by relatives but not formally in the legal state authorities. In Ireland, these when facilitated authorities lieu order or agreement, known professionals as ‘private family arrangements’. This article explores evidence which shows that use such arrangements motivated partly concern subsidiarity, and necessity: they provide source cases regulatory requirements lack resources would otherwise make placement challenging impossible. However, this strategy carries significant risks. Private receive support oversight from than formal members providing under model have no rights responsibilities respect child(ren). places child(ren) precarious position raises concerns regarding equity care. will illustrate impact recommendations reform.