The London Borough of Bexley is urging residents who are caring for someone else’s child to check if they might be in a private fostering arrangement.
Private fostering occurs when a child under 16 (or under 18 if they have disabilities) is cared for by someone who isn’t their parent or close relative, such as a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or step-parent, for more than 28 days.
Many carers are unaware that private fostering arrangements require support from the local authority. When a private fostering arrangement is identified, Bexley’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is required to ensure the child’s welfare and that carers receive the necessary guidance and support.
Cllr Chris Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
In Bexley, we are committed to supporting every child to ensure they grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Private fostering is often misunderstood, but it’s vital that carers know they have access to help and resources. Our social workers are here to provide advice, answer questions, and offer ongoing support for private fostering arrangements. If you’re caring for someone else’s child, reach out and let us help you ensure the best possible care for them.”
If you are in a private fostering arrangement, contact Bexley’s MASH team on 020 3045 5440, who will guide you through the necessary steps to safeguard the child’s well-being.