Private fostering? Get in touch

Wednesday, 20 November 2024 11:17

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

City of York Council and safeguarding partners across the city are reminding residents that they need to get in touch with the council if they are making arrangements for someone else to look after their child/children for longer than 28 days.

Looking after someone else’s child for more than a month if you’re not a close relative is known as Private Fostering. Anyone entering such a arrangement needs to let the York Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) know, so they can help and support you in caring for the child or children.

The message is being highlighted to residents and professionals working with children and young people in York throughout the city’s first Private Fostering Week (18-22 November).

Martin Kelly OBE, the council’s Corporate Director for Children and Education, said: “We know that private fostering arrangements are quite common, for example if parents are away for work, or teenagers need time to focus on study away from younger siblings. But we also need to ensure that you have the support needed to care for children in these arrangements.”

Simply contact the York Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01904 551900, email MASH@york.gov.uk to talk you through the next steps.

For more information visit www.saferchildrenyork/private-fostering

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