Looking after someone else’s child? You need to tell the Council

People who are caring for a relative’s child need to make sure that they inform the council.

This type of care is known as ‘private fostering’, and can be quite common in some communities, but under the law parents and private foster carers must inform the council of such arrangements.

Anyone caring for a child for longer than 28-days is considered a private foster carer, and this often includes relatives such as aunts and uncles.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s portfolio holder for children and education, Councillor Margaret Cracknell, said:

“Lots of parents and family members establish informal private fostering arrangements as a convenient way of caring for a child around things like work, but if these arrangements last for longer than 28-days, they must inform the Council.

“It’s vital that the local authority are made aware of these arrangements so we can carry out an assessment to make sure that the child is safe and supported.”

If you think you might be a private foster carer, contact the Children’s Assessment and Safeguarding Service (CASS) on 01472 326292 (Option 2).

If you would like more information, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk.