Many of the area's residents could be involved in fostering a young person without realising it so Doncaster Council is using posters, articles and a touring community roadshow to raise the profile of such arrangements.

A Private Fostering arrangement is when a child or young person under the age of 16 (or 18 if disabled) lives with someone other than a parent or close relative (grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle or step parent) for more than 28 days.

A council spokesman explained that there are many reasons why a private fostering arrangement might be necessary - a disagreement within the family; children whose parents work or study unsociable hours; children whose parents are ill; children sent to the UK for education or healthcare by parents residing overseas.

Whatever the situation, any parents or carers who are planning, or have already made, a Private Fostering arrangement have a duty by law, under the Children Act 1989, to let Doncaster Council know.

Councillor Patrick Wilson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "It is understandable that people may not be aware of the need to get Doncaster Council involved in these arrangements, which is why we are working to raise awareness with this campaign.

"Not only is it important to notify us so that we can ensure that young people in these arrangements are suitably safeguarded but so that we can offer much needed practical advice and support to both parents and private foster carers."

Once aware, Doncaster Council can arrange for a social worker to support the child/young person, parents and private foster carers and give advice.

To notify Doncaster Council of a Private Fostering arrangement, or to obtain more information, please call 01302 737777.