your child being cared for by a friend? Are you caring for someone else child? If the answer to either of these questions is ‘Yes’ then it might be time to contact North East Lincolnshire Council and inform them of this situation.

Individuals who care for a child for any period of time longer than 28 days are considered to be ‘Private Foster Carers’ in the eyes of the law. Children who are not in the direct charge of their parents and are privately fostered by families or individuals outside of the Council’s remit can be vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

As with Council endorsed foster carers, private fosterers must undergo assessment to ensure that they provide an adequate and safe environment to raise a child.

The law states that a ‘child’ is any individual up to the age of 16 years (18 years if the child is disabled). Close relatives are not considered private foster carers. This includes: grandparents, brothers, sisters, uncles or aunts. However, cousins and other distantly removed relatives are considered to be ‘private foster carers’.

It is important that we ensure that all the children within our area are living in a secure and safe environment. If you think you fulfil the criteria to be called a ‘private foster carer’ please contact the North East Lincolnshire Referral and Assessment Service on: 01472 325555. There are many levels of support and advice the council can and are only too willing to offer.

Debbie Mercer, head of service for safeguarding said: “It is a fact that a lot of people are simply unaware that they are privately fostering a child. Fostered children who remain hidden are at risk of suffering all kinds of neglect. It is important to all the professionals of North East Lincolnshire Council that children in our borough are kept safe. It is with this in mind that I strongly urge anyone who thinks they may be in this situation to contact us and make use of our vital support and advice. We’re here to help you and the child in your care.”

It is one of our the authority’s biggest priorities to ensure that all children grow up living in a safe environment so if you are aware of any a child that is being cared for by someone who is not a close family member, please call the referral and assessment service. While most private foster care arrangements are very good, I would still rather be told about a child two or three times than not at all.

Remember, under Governmental law it is an offence to not report the private fostering of any child in your home.