DURHAM County Council is trying to find out how many local children have been privately fostered.

Private fostering is legal but is causing problems for social services departments across the country because not all arrangements are notified to them.

By law, the council must be informed if a parent arranges for an adult who is not a relative to look after their child so that it can check that all is well.

But studies show that more than 50 per cent of private placements are not notified.

David Shipman, operations manager with the children and families section of Durham Social Services, said: "Privately fostered children, without the protection provided through the regulations are a particularly vulnerable group. We do not want to interfere in what is working well - we want to be in a position to provide support and advice and ensure that the private arrangement goes as smoothly as possible."

In certain circumstances financial help may be available.

Anyone in County Durham involved in, or planning, a private fostering arrangement is asked to call their local social services offices.

They are: Barnard Castle (01833) 690690; Bishop Auckland (01388) 454800; Chester-le-Street 0191-383 1010; Consett (01207) 504921; Crook (01388) 763331; Durham 0191-383 1010; Newton Aycliffe (01325) 314466; Peterlee 0191-518 6000; Seaham 0191-518 6000; Spennymoor (01388) 424200; Stanley (01207) 290990.