Press releases

New film on ‘invisible children’ targets teachers and health workers

Issued: 7 December 2009

A new promotional film is being launched today which targets teachers, health workers and other professionals working with children and families.

Somebody Else’s Child, which has been produced by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), follows the story of two young girls who were privately fostered. The girls represent the thousands of children who find themselves in similar situations every year within the UK.

Private fostering³ describes an arrangement lasting 28 days or more when a child is cared for by someone who isn’t a close relative. To protect children, it is a legal requirement that parents and carers inform children’s services at their local council of these arrangements. But sadly, many don’t.

While the charity is keen to stress that most children in private fostering situations will be well cared for, some may not. In the worst case scenarios children in private fostering arrangements can be subject to abuse and neglect. It is crucial therefore that local authorities know of all such arrangements.  Notifying the local authority enables the child, parent(s) and carer(s) to access vital support and advice.

David Holmes, Chief Executive of BAAF said: “A recent survey⁴ of people working with children revealed that only 17% knew what private fostering was. If we are to ensure these children are kept safe then it is vital that we engage with everyone who works with children to inform them about private fostering.  They can then help make sure that local authorities are notified of all private fostering arrangements.  Teachers, health workers and other professionals working with children and families often have considerable contact with children outside the home. We hope that this short film will educate and inform professionals about this important issue.”

Somebody Else’s Child can be viewed on You Tube or the campaign website www.somebodyelseschild.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. For more information please call BAAF press office on 020 7421 2632/3 or email esther.freeman@baaf.org.uk. For out of hours enquiries, call the press office mobile on 07767 444 589.

2. Contributors from the film are available for interview upon request.

3. The legal definition of private fostering is when a child under the age of 16 (under 18 if disabled) is placed in the care of someone who is not their parent or a close relative or someone with parental responsibility, through a private agreement made between their parent and a carer, for 28 days or more. Close relative is defined as step-parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt (whether of full blood, half blood or by marriage or civil partnership). Children are privately fostered when they are cared for and provided with accommodation in the carer’s own home
4. YouGov interviewed 1,282 GB adults (18+) in London between 21st December 2007 and 2nd January 2008, of whom 223 were professionals who come into regular contact with children.