SOMERSET County Council is urging anybody fostering a child to let the authorities know.

If a child has been looked after for more than 28 days by somebody other than a relative the arrangement is classed as private fostering.

County councillor Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We’re required to know about a private fostering arrangement to make sure the child’s needs are being met.

“Where appropriate we can support the private foster carer and the parent ito help rebuild relationships.”

Anybody involved in or aware of a private fostering arrangement should email childrens@somerset.gov.uk or phone 0845-3459122.