PRIVATE foster carers in Southampton are being urged to come forward and tell the council about their arrangements.
Under the law, carers must inform their local authority about private fostering arrangements where someone is not a step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt cares for somebody else’s child under the age of 16, or 18 if they are disabled, for more than 28 consecutive days.
Private fostering arrangements can be made when youngsters are living with a friend’s family due to issues with their parents or are living in the UK for education or health care.
The city council is legally obliged to check the suitability of private foster carers to ensure the welfare of people involved is safeguarded and provide them with access to support.
If you are in a private fostering agreement or know of one, call the council on 023 8083 3956.
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