Hunt for 'lost' foster children

Staffordshire County Council is trying to track down 'lost' privately fostered children in the county. The authority is appealing to those who are caring for someone else's child to contact the council.

Private fostering is when a child under 16, or under 18 if they are disabled, is cared for and living for more than 28 days with an adult who is not a relative. The arrangement is often made privately but legislation changes mean the authority now has to be notified.

Carers might be members of the extended family, friends of the family or someone the child doesn't know. The practice is very different from the care of children provided by local councils through approved foster carers.

Council deputy leader Councillor Robert Simpson, who is also cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Private fostering is perfectly legal, but carers may not know that recent changes in the law mean they now have to let us know.

"This means we can ensure the child is kept safe, as well as support the carers.

"It is so important that everyone realises that we are all responsible for keeping children safe. Privately fostered children, without the protection provided through the regulations, can be a particularly vulnerable group."

Councillor Simpson said it was estimated that there might be thousands of children in England and Wales who are privately fostered.

"We are sure that there will be many in Staffordshire, but we simply don't know exactly how many. Anyone who is caring for a child who isn't their own should get in touch," he added.

Anyone who is privately fostering, knows someone who is, or simply wants more information, should call free on 0800 1313126.