Liverpool City Council is asking people in Liverpool to help them ensure the safety and well-being of children who are being cared for by someone who is not a close relative.

When someone, who is not a close relative, cares for another person’s child for 28 days or more this is known as private fostering. Although this arrangement is usually made by the parent and the carer the local authority must be notified where the child is going to live so that the local authority can ensure that the child is being properly looked after. Liverpool wants to know about children in the Liverpool area. If children live in other areas of Merseyside and Wales the appropriate local authority needs to be informed.

Liverpool City Council has signed up to a national campaign called ‘Somebody Else’s Child’, run by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering, to ensure everybody knows about private fostering. Help us keep children safe by spreading the word and notifying us if you know of a child who is being privately fostered.

These private fostering arrangements include teenagers who have had a row with mum and dad and gone to live with a friend and children who, because of family circumstances, (illness, parents working away, parents in prison, etc) are sent to live with friends or neighbours for a period. There are also children sent to England for a better education and children in language schools. While many of these children will be fine, some could be at risk of abuse, and all need to be visible.

Nobody knows exactly how many children are privately fostered, but it is estimated that there could be as many as 10,000 in England and Wales. It is feared that some of these ‘invisible’ children could be at risk of abuse, or victims of trafficking.

Liverpool City Council is particularly asking people who work with children to be aware of private fostering and notify them immediately if they suspect such an arrangement. The general public also has a part to play. If you hear about a child who is being privately fostered please let us know immediately so we can ensure the child is being kept safe. The Council will offer support and advice.

For more information on private fostering ring Careline on 0151 233 3700 or visit the national campaign website at www.somebodyelseschild.org.uk