Somebody else’s child
Warwickshire County Council is urging people in the county to help ensure the safety and well-being of children who are being cared for by someone who is not a direct relative.
The call to action is part of a national campaign to raise awareness of private fostering. The British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) campaign known as Somebody Else’s Child is supported by the local authority and will run from 22 February to 28 February.
Private fostering describes an arrangement when someone, who is not a close relative, cares for another person’s child for an extended period of time. Although this is done by private arrangement, legally the parent and the carer must notify the local authority where the child is going to live so that the local authority can ensure that the child is being properly looked after.
Nobody knows exactly how many children are privately fostered, but in 2001 the Department of Health estimated that there could be as many as 10,000 in England and Wales. It is feared that some of these ‘invisible’ children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking.
Throughout the week BAAF will be involved in activities to raise the profile of private fostering such as conducting research with young people, getting messages out to teaching and health unions, Local Children’s Safeguarding Boards, Primary Care Trusts and other relevant professional groups as well as hosting a parliamentary reception.
The week will also see the launch of a bus stop advertising campaign across England and Wales with 1000 sites chosen to feature private fostering posters across the two countries.
Promotion of private fostering arrangements in Warwickshire has been successful and notifications are reaching the Local Authority from a wide range of professionals working with children but low numbers are still reported to the county council each year.
There could be many of these arrangements taking place in Warwickshire and people who work with children are requested to make themselves aware of private fostering and inform the local authority immediately if they suspect such an arrangement.
Cabinet member Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said: “Everybody can play a part in looking out for our children’s welfare - whether you are a teacher, youth worker, neighbour or just chat to the other mums on the school gate. If you hear about a child who is being privately fostered the county council needs to know in order to ensure the youngster is being kept safe.
“Whilst it is likely that everything is fine, it is in fact a legal requirement that the parent or carer inform their local council so you can do your bit to help get them in touch with the Private Fostering Team.”
For more information on private fostering visit the Warwickshire County Council website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk or go to the national campaign website at http://www.somebodyelseschild.org.uk