Private fostering awareness

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is raising awareness about private fostering arrangements, for anyone who is privately fostering a child.

Private fostering is when a person is looking after a child or young person who is under the age of 16, (or under 18 years if the young person has a disability) for more than 28 days and they aren't a close relative of the child, such as a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or step-parent by marriage.

It is a legal requirement for anyone in this arrangement to inform the council, and then support can be offered.

Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education said: "If you are going to look after a child for more than 28 days, or if you are a parent or carer who is putting this arrangement in place, please get in touch with us before the arrangement begins, or as soon as it starts.

"It means we can offer support to both the child and the carers. We can provide advice about issues including education and benefit entitlement, which could help increase stability for the child and the family."

Let the council know if you are planning to, or currently are, looking after a child and this will be for more than 28 days on 01482 395500, or visit https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/living/children-and-families/fostering/private-fostering/