Can we help? |
Call on... |
020 7735 8941 |
Or send an... |
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
CFAB were asked to trace Annie's Family in Benin. She had come to the UK when she was ten years old to reside with a family friend, undertaking domestic chores, whilst getting a formal education. She was exploited and abused in this family and ultimately evicted, as she became pregnant. She is now happily married with children and wished to trace her family in Benin. This proved a difficult yet successful search. With the support of CFAB staff, Annie took the brave step of travelling to Benin to visit her family. The visit was hugely successful and she now makes an annual visit.
Middle East
A local authority was working with a family where they had placed two privately fostered children. The family decided to move to the Middle East for a duration of 5 years due to work commitments.
CFAB was consulted to assist in the monitoring of the placement. CFAB worked with the correspondent in the Middle Eastern Country and the local authority in the UK and were able to come to a satisfactory arrangement about the how often the family was visited by the social worker for the duration the children were with the family and also provided vital information on the support networks available in the country.
Useful Links
British Association of Adoption and Fostering