Residents who care for a child for longer than 28 days have been urged to register as a private foster carer by Redbridge Council.
Parents, private foster carers and the council all have a legal duty to make sure that the fostering arrangement is safe for the child.
Grandparents, aunts and uncles are exempt from registration, however other carers who do not register may be breaking the law.
Cllr Alan Weinberg, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I urge anyone who is caring for a child for more than 28 days to register. This is not about unnecessary nanny state intervention – it’s about keeping children safe.”
The council will check the suitability of prospective foster carers and other members of their household.
There are 11 private foster carers registered with the council, caring for 12 children.
The contact point to notify of private fostering arrangement is 020 8708 3781 or CPAT.referrals@redbridge.gov.uk.
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