Private fostering – the facts

ANYONE who has a child or young person who is not a close relative staying with them for more than 28 days should inform Warrington Borough Council.
Arrangements like this are known as private fostering – but many people will not be aware of the requirement to keep the local authority informed.
The council need to be able to check the child is being cared for properly but can also offer help and support.
Officers can give advice about how to manage the impact on household budgets by looking after another child or young person and can also give specialist advice on parenting.
Private fostering happens a lot and for many reasons. Sometimes a friend might ask for help when they are going into hospital.
Sometimes a family may be moving and want their child to stay in the same area to finish examinations.
Another possibility is that a family might be asked to look after a friend of their own children because they are having problems at home.
A council spokeswoman said: “If you do find yourself in this situation simply let us know and there is support available if you need it.”
Cllr Colin Froggat, the borough council’s executive member for children and young people, said: “It is commendable when people offer to help out friends by looking after their children and we know they are doing a great job.
“If you do find yourself in this situation simply let us know and you can get advice and support if you need it.”
Private fostering doesn’t apply when the carer is the child’s brother, sister, aunt, uncle or grandparent.
More information is available at 01925 443400 or email [email protected]