The council has reminded families they are legally required to notify the authorities about private foster arrangements, for example looking after friends' children or great-grandchildren.
A plea has now been made for more carers to speak to welfa
re officers in the light of the Victoria Climbie inquiry, so full support can be offered to the children involved.
Cabinet member for children and young people Joan Kirkbride said only 50 per cent of the informal agreements in the county are known to the council.
She said: "We have only been informed of a few children who are living in these informal arrangements but we believe the real number will be a lot higher, which is why we are appealing to people to get in touch with us.
"Obviously in most cases these kinds of arrangements are a very good option for children, however a minority of children who are fostered in this way are potentially vulnerable young people which is why, by law, the council is involved.
"It is highly likely that many carers involved in these informal arrangements are not aware the county council needs to know. They don't need to worry about not telling us, just let us know as soon as possible."
Private fostering applies when a child, who is under 16 or 18 if they have a disability, is being cared for by someone who is not a close relative or step-parent or guardian, for more than 28 days.
Foster parents in Northampton can call Northampton 411911. Those in Daventry and South Northamptonshire can call 01327 300567.
The full article contains 291 words and appears in Northampton Chron & Echo newspaper.
