NEW support is available for people fostering children.

The Government has brought in new legislation which means social workers have to provide extra monitoring, support and advice for people involved in private fostering arrangements.

A private foster carer is someone looking after a child under 16, who is not closely related to them.

The care has to last for more than 28 days.

Grandparents, brothers, sisters or step-parents cannot be classed as private foster carers - but more distant relatives such as aunts and cousins can be.

The law was brought in following the tragic death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie, who died in February 2000 after a catalogue of abuse by her aunt's boyfriend.

She was living with the couple.

Anyone who is considering privately fostering a child must tell social services about the plans within six weeks - unless the child has to move in with them quickly because of an emergency.

In this case, the carer should notify social services within 48 hours. Social workers will then visit the child, foster carer and the child's parents to monitor arrangements and offer support.

Clr Geoff Alvy, Kirklees Council cabinet member for children's services, said they wanted to ensure children in private foster care are as well looked after as those placed through social services.

"The service recognises that children living away from home are potentially vulnerable and we wish to offer help and support to carers to ensure that the child's welfare is promoted," he said.

For information on private fostering, ring Huddersfield 01484 223000, Dewsbury on 01924 325070, Cleckheaton on 01274 335072, email ssips@ kirklees.gov.uk or log on to www.kirklees.gov.uk