PRIVATE foster parents are being encouraged to get help, advice and support from their local council in the run up to the launch of the national “somebody else's child” campaign.

PRIVATE foster parents are being encouraged to get help, advice and support from their local council in the run up to the launch of the national “somebody else's child” campaign.

Private fostering happens when a child who is not a close relative or member of your family lives in your home for more than 28 days. As part of the new campaign, everyone who is privately fostering has been urged to inform their local county council so that the needs of the child can be met and parents can be offered advice.

NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney has lent its' support to the initiative, which aims to raise awareness of private fostering and the responsibilities which fall upon the foster parent.

Pam Fenner, director of nursing and quality at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “Protecting the safety and wellbeing of our young people is of primary importance, which is why we're lending our support to this national campaign.

“We are urging anyone who is privately fostering to contact their local county council and let them know. The council will then offer you help, advice and support while making sure the needs of the child or young person are fully met.”

If you live in Waveney and think you have a child, or know of a child who is in a private fostering arrangement, telephone Suffolk County Council's customer first team on 0808 800 4005. In Norfolk, telephone Norfolk Care Connect on 0344 800 8014.