Private fostering situations in Shropshire

Private Fostering Week runs until Monday 10 July 2017, and is highlighting the importance of notifying Shropshire Council about private fostering arrangements.

Private fostering is an arrangement made for a child under the age of 16, or under 18 if a child has a disability, to be cared for by someone other than a close relative for 28 days or more. Close relatives include brothers, sisters (whether of full blood, half blood or marriage) step-parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

By law, people must inform the council about any private fostering situations in Shropshire. Primarily this is to keep children safe, but it also enables the council to provide or sign post to the right support and advice if needed.

The first step will be arranging for a social worker to visit the child or young person and the private fostering carers. They will listen to both the carer’s and the child’s needs and offer advice and support accordingly.

Karen Bradshaw, Shropshire Council’s director of children’s services, said:

“Private foster carers do an invaluable job. This week is about celebrating the role they play as well as reminding private foster carers both of the need to notify the council of private fostering arrangements, and that support is available to them.”

People who are considering entering a private fostering arrangement or know someone who is being privately fostered should call the council on 0345 678 9008.

For more information on fostering in Shropshire, people can visit www.shropshirefostering.co.uk/fostering/ or call 0800 783 8798.