ANYONE involved in private fostering arrangements is urged to take advantage of a free advice and guidance service.

It is estimated that at least 10,000 children in England are privately fostered.

Private Fostering refers to circumstances in which any child under 16, or 18 if disabled, is cared for by an adult who is not a close relative or guardian, for longer than a 28-day period.

Susan Jackson, Stockton Borough Council's private fostering officer, said: "As a local authority, we want to be informed of any private fostering arrangements in order to ensure that parents, carers, and children are provided with any advice and support they may need.

"Most children in private foster care have all their needs met appropriately, but in some instances this is not necessarily the case and local authorities may need to become involved to ensure children's needs are being met."

She said many of the parents and carers involved were unknowingly breaking the law and facing a potential fine because they had not told their local authority of the arrangement.

Any parent in Stockton making arrangements for their child to be cared for by someone else, adults considering taking on such a responsibility, or any resident aware of an unreported private fostering situation, is asked to contact the council on (01642) 527764 or visit the council's website at www.stockton.gov.uk