Mini movie helps promote foster caring in West Sussex

The teenager lives with Stewart and Tracey, who have been foster carers for six years and have three children of their own, aged eight, six and one.

She says: "It is just perfect living in a family.

"If it wasn't for my 'mum' and 'dad' I wouldn't be doing any

revision. My whole life has just turned around completely. It is amazing."

The film, which has been launched to coincide with Fostering Fortnight, highlights the countywide need for more foster carers.

Fostering service manager Ian Forbes said people were needed from every walk of life '“ including single people, gay couples and people from ethnic minorities.

"We have a whole range of children needing a whole range of foster carers," he added.

They needed to be 'highly motivated' and have a 'caring disposition'.

Stewart and Tracey have found fostering to be 'one of the

most rewarding experiences of their lives'.

Tracey said: "If you enjoy children you will enjoy fostering."

Mr Forbes is urging people from all backgrounds to spare a couple of minutes to view the film.

"As you will see, foster carers have a vital role to play in giving children in care the best possible chance in life," he said.

"We're aiming to encourage people to consider a career in fostering and to look at the skills and qualities they have that could make them a great foster carer."

Foster care, he said, had changed dramatically over the past 30 years.

Today fostering was a career, uniquely combining family life with a skilled profession.

To find out more about fostering for the county council, call the Foster Recruitment Line for a free information pack on 0800 121 6508.

Alternatively click here for more information.