RECENT research shows that we may have been vastly underestimating the extent of private fostering in England and Wales. There could be hundreds of the so-called ‘invisible children’ in your local community.
Private fostering describes an arrangement lasting 28 days or more where somebody other than a grandparent, aunt or uncle or other close relative carers for somebody else’s child. By law the local authority must be notified of such arrangements. Sadly most don’t.
The vast majority of privately fostered children will be well cared for, but still experience stress and anxiety from being separated from their birth family. A small minority may not be well cared for and highly vulnerable. Please help us protect children and support families by talking to people in your neighbourhood about private fostering. For more information visit our website: www.somebodyelseschild.org.uk.
DAVID HOLMES
Chief Executive
c/o British Association for Adoption & Fostering
Kirby Street
London
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