Are You Looking After Someone Else’s Child? Royal Greenwich Is Reaching Out To You

by our RBG Correspondent | Woolwich

A two-week information campaign is underway in the Royal Borough to encourage people who look after someone else’s child to register as a private foster carer. If they do, they could be entitled to advice and support from the council.

A private fostering arrangement involves someone caring for a child under the age of 16, or 18 if disabled, who is not a close relative, for more than 28 days.

Local authorities have a legal duty to safeguard all children from harm and neglect. With private fostering arrangements, the council will check the suitability of private foster carers, as well as the household and accommodation for the child. Officers make regular visits, make sure that advice is available, and that the child is receiving a good overall standard of care.

Cllr John Fahy (pictured), the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Not everyone realises that if they look after someone else’s child on a regular basis, they need to register this as a private fostering arrangement. Although private fostering is very different from the care of children provided by local authorities through approved foster carers, our Children's Services team still needs to be informed.

“Let us know what's happening so we can keep an eye on your children and make sure they are being looked after properly.”

The council’s information campaign runs until 8 November. More information is on the council’s website at www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/fostering.

There will also be an information stall in General Gordon Square, Woolwich.