Are you caring for somebody else’s child?
Children’s services in Warwickshire are supporting the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) campaign to increase reporting of private fostering.
Private Fostering Week 21 – 27 March raises awareness of the arrangement where children under 16 (or 18 if they are disabled) are cared for by someone other than a close relative for more than 28 days.
To ensure a child is safe and that their care is satisfactory it is a requirement that private fostering arrangements are reported to the local authority which has a duty to carry out checks on carers and other household members.
Anyone can notify the local authority of these arrangements but many people are unaware of the requirement so private fostering remains under reported nationally.
To combat this, Warwickshire County Council wants to hear from people if they are looking after someone else’s child, if they have put their child in someone else’s care, or if they are aware of a private fostering arrangement.
Jackie Garrison, Fostering Development Officer at Warwickshire County Council said: “It is a legal requirement for parents and carers to notify the local authority about private fostering arrangements. Many people do not realise that this is the case so we want to reassure parents and carers they will not get into trouble for notifying late.
“In the majority of circumstances, private foster carers are well intentioned and good care is provided, however in a few cases children are unhappy and need protection. In such situations the local authority can intervene and make sure that the child’s parents are informed.”
The local authority is also urging people who may know about a private fostering arrangement to come forward. Jackie added: “People should not feel they are interfering if they tell us about a situation which may need to be checked, as they may be helping to keep a child safe. Members of the general public should be reassured that that can refer anonymously and confidentially.
“The checks made by the county council are important for the child’s well-being. When we asked children who are privately fostered about the process they said it was important that there was someone to check they were OK, cared for properly, and that they have someone to talk to.”
To report a private fostering arrangement, to discuss your situation, or to find out more, contact your local Children’s Services Team 01926 410410.