National private fostering week

Do you know what private fostering is?

It's caring for a child that's not your own and the National Private Fostering Campaign is being held this week to raise awareness of support available to families and individuals involved.

It's estimated that only one in four of us know what private fostering is even though some 15,000 children in Britain are being cared for in this way.

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A private fosterer can be anyone who is looking after a child who is not their own and to whom they are not closely related.

To become a private fosterer, that is someone who has been caring for a child not their own for more than 28 days, you are required by law to notify your local council.

These measurements were put into place following the case of Victoria Climbie in 2000, who was murdered while living with her great aunt.

Research reveals one in ten 18-24 year olds claim to have been privately fostered at some stage in their life, while almost a quarter of us would miss clear signs of a child at risk.

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In Bexhill, The Tall Trees Family Centre in Turkey Road is run by Action for Children and provides support to families through its services to enable parents or carers to cope more effectively with the care of their children and prevent family breakdown.

As well as a number of other family support services it provides support, advice and practical help to families in private foster care arrangements. The centre also aims to raise awareness within the community about private fostering, and encourage private fosterers to register with their local council. The council can then check in with the fosterer and child, do background checks, and provide help and support.

For more detailed information on private fostering please see the website:

http://www.privatefostering.org.uk/

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