A support service for those people who find it difficult to care for their children in the short-term is being supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Private Fostering Fortnight, which runs until Friday April 2nd, raises awareness of the legal requirements associated with individuals who are unable to cope with parenting during a distressing period and arranges for someone else to care for them for longer than 28 days.
Private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by local Councils through approved foster carers. The child is not looked after by the Council as the parents retain full parental responsibility. The Local Authority may not even know of the family and parents often enter into these arrangements for a variety of reasons.
Basically it is where the parents make an arrangement for a child under the age of 16 years to stay with someone else who is not a close relative and has no parental responsibilities, and the child stays with the private foster carer for more than 28 days. For disabled children the age limit is 18 years.
Although this is a private arrangement there are procedures in place to ensure the child is properly looked after and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council must be told about the arrangements and visit to check on the child’s welfare. Failure to do this could not only put a child in danger, but could result in a £1,000 fine.
The Children Act 2004 places duties on parents to notify the Council of these agreements, in order for them to assess that the child’s needs are being met and their welfare is safeguarded. The legislation also places responsibilities on professional who become aware of these arrangements to advise parents’ or carers; of their duty to notify the Council and to make notification themselves where they are not satisfied that the parent or carer will do so.
If you become aware of any such agreements that have been made for children who are attending your school, please advise the parents or carers of their duty to notify the Council. An assessment will then be undertaken to ensure that the child’s needs are being met.
Private Fostering occurs for many reasons: illness, work relocation, relationship problems, behavioural issues or possibly bereavement. In most cases the time apart can lead to a stronger, healthier and happier relationship between parent and child.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Equalities, Cllr Annette Davies, said: “It is extremely important that parents notify the Council if they enter into a Private Fostering arrangement. Although in many cases the placements are successful, some children are put in very vulnerable positions that could result in them being harmed, physically and or emotionally.
“The Council is here to help you ensure your child is in a safe, happy environment, while you take the time you need to work through the difficulties you may face.”
If you have or are considering arranging a Private Fostering placement for your child, or if you know that a child has been privately fostered, please contact the Council on 01443 490400 or email [email protected] Alternatively visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk for further information.
