Council in search for 'hidden' Slough children
Slough Borough Council is asking all private foster carers in Slough looking after non family members to notify the council of the arrangement as soon as possible.
The Slough council is keen to speak to them to offer information and support, such as financial advice about benefits which they may be entitled to and to be made aware of the children involved.
An awareness campaign was launched on Wednesday January 23rd, to help safeguard any child in private fostering and was the first of its kind by the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).
Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is placed in the care of someone who is not their parent or close relative through a private agreement made between their parent and a carer, for 28 days or more.
A close relative is defined as a step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whether of full blood, half blood or by marriage).
The Slough council is urging parents and private foster carers to give information about the child and where they are living.
Crucially, professionals who come into regular contact with children and young people, such as teachers, doctors and youth workers, can also play a vital role in identifying privately fostered children and keeping them safe.
Slough Borough Council was notified of two private fostering arrangements last year, but it believes there are other children living with private foster carers who they know nothing about.
Commissioner for children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, said: “It is vital that anyone who is fostering a child privately lets the council know of the arrangement, as it is the child’s welfare and the valuable advice we can give that is at stake.
“There are many reasons why people foster non family members, and many of these families are happy and vibrant, but the council needs to know about them in order to help in any way it can.”
Laura Eades, chair of the Local Safeguarding Children Board in partnership with Slough Borough Council, said: “Our message is simple: If you think you might be privately fostering, get in touch with us now – it is against the law not to do so and you may be entitled to benefits and support.
“If your child is living with someone outside your immediate family, or you are in the process of arranging this, you should notify the council in the area where the child is going to live.
“And if you work with children and young people and think you may know a privately fostered child, talk to their carer. If they are reluctant to tell the local authority, you should let us know instead. If we do not know about these children, they remain hidden and we are powerless to safeguard them.”
Once Slough Borough Council knows about a private fostering agreement, a social worker will check the suitability of the arrangement and continue to make regular visits to make sure the child is safe and well cared for, as well as offering information and support to carers. The council has the power to remove a child from a private foster care placement if there are concerns for the child's welfare.
To find out more about private fostering and how to notify Slough Borough Council, please call 01753 690960.
Slough Borough Council