Gloucestershire Social Services are urging people to contact them if they are privately fostering a child under the age of 16.

This occurs when the child is cared for for more than 28 days by an adult who is not a relative or legal guardian.

A privately fostered child is defined as someone under 16 or is a disabled child under 18.

These include children living with host families so that they could attend language schools and those living with a friend's family because of trouble at home.

Social services needs to be informed about private fosters so that they can safeguard the child's safety and check on the suitability of the adults looking after them.

Coun. Maureen Rutter (Lab, Stroud West) said: "Young people staying in a strange place can be vulnerable."

Anyone who is privately fostering a child should contact the private fostering co-ordinator on 01452 427068