Arrangements when someone who is not a close relative cares for another person's child for 28 days or more are considered private fostering and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council needs to be notified of them.
The authority is eager to hear from anyone who has made such arrangements or is aware of others doing so so officials can make sure children are properly cared for and given any support required.
The Council is particularly asking people who work with children to think more about private fostering and act immediately if they are aware that such an arrangement is in place.
Private fostering laws apply to children aged under 16, or 18 if they have disabilities.
Children can end up being privately fostered for a host of reasons, from parents separating to being sent to the UK for healthcare or education by families living overseas.
Anyone planning to privately foster should alert the Council at least six weeks before the child comes to live with them, or within 48 hours if it occurs in an emergency situation.
Councillor Joan Guy, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education, said: "
People who are privately fostering children may not even realise that they need to let the authorities know."
However, it is vitally important that we are informed so we can ensure the safety and well-being of a child.
We would urge anyone who has such arrangements in place, or knows of any, to get in touch with us immediately.
The Council can be contacted on 01642 771500.
For more information, log onto www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk or www.privatefostering.org.uk.
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