Nearly 80 children need foster carers who can offer them permanent homes for the rest of their childhood, says Essex Social Services.

The department's children's placement manager, Sue Cook, said, "Many foster carers look after children for just a few weeks or months to help a family through a particularly difficult time, but we also need foster carers who can offer children a secure loving family until they are old enough to leave home as adults."

The department points out that foster carers come from a variety of backgrounds, can be married or single, and may or may not have children of their own.

It highlights the case of a 10 year old girl called Ally - not her real name - who needs a foster home.

Social worker Diane Howlett said "Initially Ally seems chatty and lively with a keen sense sense of humour, but, as you get to know her, you realise that she is troubled by her difficult past and is very anxious to be liked and cared for.

"Ally loves music, particularly the Spice Girls, and likes going to dance classes. She is passionate about poetry and loves to disappear into the world of books. She goes to mainstream school with no major problems, although her maths does need improving."

Social Services says that ideally older children like Ally and teenagers need a room of their own, but that could be in any kind of home, from a small flat to a large farm. All Essex foster carers are offered training, ongoing support, and have access to a 24 hour telephone helpline. They are paid a fostering allowance.

Anyone who feels they could offer a home to Ally or is interested in finding out more about fostering should contact the Essex Foster Line on freephone 0800 801 530.

By Kathleen Corby

Reporter's e-mail: kathleen.corby@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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