A free workshop will take place next month advising professionals, volunteers and members of the public on all aspects of private fostering.

Private fostering is when a child under the age of 16, or under 18 if disabled, is being cared for by someone who is not a parent or close relative for 28 days or more.

On Monday 4 February 2019, workshop attendees will learn key skills in how to identify private fostering and detect and correctly report suspected cases, during a free two hour session from 10am to 12 noon at the Civic Office, New Road, Grays, RM17 6SL.

Cllr Sue Little, Portfolio Holder for Children and Adult Social Care, said: “The identification and assessment of private fostering arrangements is an important part of the child protection services the council offers to residents. We want to make sure that all children cared for under this arrangement are kept safe and carers also receive suitable help and support.

“This workshop will ensure that professionals, volunteers and members of the public, who think they may be in a private fostering situation, are clear about what private fostering involves and can clearly identify this type of fostering when they are working with children.”

To book your place on the workshop please email privatefostering@thurrock.gov.uk with the names of who will be attending.

For more information on private fostering, visit: www.thurrock.gov.uk/private-fostering