This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council is supporting a national initiative that aims to reduce the number of children who are being cared for in what are termed ‘private un-notified arrangements.’
These are when someone who is not a close relative cares for another person’s child for 28 days or more but has not informed the local authority.
Legally the parent and the carer must notify the local authority where the child is going to live so that the council can ensure that the child is being properly looked after. 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 children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking.
Somebody Else’s Child
The initiative is called Somebody Else’s Child and is being run by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering.
The council is supporting the scheme as part of its continuing work to reduce private un-notified arrangements. The local authority is asking people who work with children to be aware of what is involved in private fostering and to get in contact if they think they may know of anyone who is being privately fostered or if they need more advice.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of children”
Dawn Cousins, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member responsible for children’s services said: “The council is happy to support this national scheme, which is about ensuring the safety and well-being of children.
“Many residents may simply not know the laws relating to private fostering so I would encourage anyone who knows of a child being privately fostered or anyone who is looking after a child privately to get in touch with the council.”
For more information on private fostering contact the council’s fostering and adoption team on (01983) 821000.
Image: Photography S! under CC BY 2.0
