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Privately Fostered Children
Privately fostered children are defined as those under the age of 16 who are not in public care but are cared for by someone other than a parent or close relative, for 28 days or more. Many of these children are sent from abroad to improve their educational opportunities; others may be refugee children, or even victims of trafficking. These children are extremely vulnerable, in a private setting, somewhere outside the view of the public and without the protection of close family members. Parents and family members in home countries may be unaware of the risks that their child may face and regular contact with the child may be difficult. Over time the children may lose all contact with their family.
The UK Children's Act exists to regulate and supervise private foster placements, and many children are rescued from abusive or exploitative ‘carers’, and are taken into public care. But the law is not always effective in protecting every child in such a placement.
The Role of CFAB
Referrals to CFAB may include requests to trace families overseas, in order to make sure that families are aware of the situation and to assess the options for children, with regard to placements and contact with relatives.
Annie
Annie was brought into the UK on false documents and has no genuine documents – no passport, birth certificate or other identification. It is believed that Annie was brought to the UK some two years ago by a “family friend” she lived with, and was looked after by her alleged maternal Aunt in London. On 4/5th of December she came to the notice of Social Services, having been physically abused by her Aunt. She was removed from her Aunt’s home and placed in local authority care.
London Social Services have referred the case to Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) to try to trace Annie’s mother in Nigeria. Apart from the Aunt she has no other relatives in the UK and Social Services are anxious to trace family members.
The long term plan is to reunite Annie with her mother or another suitable family member.
Bola
Bola came to the attention of Social Services in Bolton when her neighbour reported that she never went to school. Investigations showed that Bola had entered the UK three years previously and stayed with her ‘Uncle’. Talking to Bola was very difficult as she was so timid, but as her story unfolded it was discovered she had been treated like a servant, beaten regularly and never attended school. She was taken into care and CFAB were contacted to see if we could contact her family in Romania.
Unfortunately, we discovered that the family had ‘sold’ Bola and there was a very serious risk that it would happen again if she returned to any of her large extended family overseas.
Bola is now living with foster carers in the UK and is very happy she is now attending school where she is developing well.
Useful Links
British Association of Adoption and Fostering