Register private fostering arrangements to prevent child abuse

Bristol City Council are urging people looking after a child who is not their own to come forward and inform them if they have not already done so.

By law, ‘private fostering’ needs to be registered with the council if a child is being looked after for 28 days or more by someone who is not a close relative.

Private fostering arrangements may include children sent to this country from abroad for education or health care, or perhaps living with family friends as the result of parental separation.

Grandparents, uncles, aunts, step-parents or older brothers and sisters are not included.

Though many private fostering arrangements will see most children well cared for, others may not be and children could become victims of abuse.

The Council is supporting a national campaign launched this week by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAFF).

The campaign, Somebody Else’s Child, is aiming to raise awareness of private fostering.

Research into private fostering by BAAF, found that 46 per cent of children in this situation felt lonely or sad and six per cent did not feel well looked after.

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, said: “Everyone has a role in keeping children safe – whether you are a teacher, health worker, youth worker, neighbour, or just chat to other mums at the school gate. If you hear about a child who is being privately fostered, please let us know immediately so we can ensure the child is being kept safe.”