The county council is encouraging anyone who knows of a child or young person under 16 who is not living with their immediate family to contact them. 

Hertfordshire County Council are running a campaign during Private Fostering Week to raise awareness of any child or young person living away from their parents for more than 28 days.

Many parents make private arrangements for the care of their children unaware that it is a legal requirement to inform the local authorities about it. 

Teresa Heritage, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “There are many reasons why children may be living away from home with someone other than their parents.

“If we are told about private fostering arrangements, then we are able to give help and support both to the child or young person and to the carer."

For more advice about private fostering arrangements call 0300 123 4043 to speak to the Private Fostering Team or visit www.hertfordshire.gov.uk 

According to council criteria a child or young person is someone under 16, or 18 if they have a disability.