NORTHUMBERLAND families are being urged to ensure children get the right support by reporting any suspicions they have about private fostering.

Private fostering occurs when a child is cared for by an adult who is not a close relative for more than 28 days.

In these cases the child’s parent has the responsibility to let their local Children’s Services know.

A close relative is a grandparent, sibling, uncle or aunt, either full or half relation or by marriage.

A step-parent not living with a parent would also be included.