YOUNGSTERS in foster care throughout Worcestershire are being forced to live with families miles away from their home towns because there are not enough carers nearby.

Now, the county council is urging potential carers to come forward, warning that moving already vulnerable children out of their home area can be damaging.

"It can be a devastating experience for young people to be placed outside their local area away from family, friends and schools," said Pam Crawley, of the county council's fostering and adoption recruitment and training team.

"We are looking to recruit more foster carers for teenagers and are appealing for anyone interested to come forward.

"If you think you will have the time and energy to spare, please call us on 0800 028 2158 for more details, we'll be so pleased to hear from you."

Devastating

Roy Thompson and his wife Bev, who have been fostering in the county for 13 years, realise the importance of placing children in a familiar area.

"Being moved away from the area can be devastating for young people," said Mr Thompson.

"They have to leave behind all the things familiar to them; not just family but friends and school too. It's like a bereavement."

He stressed that for both he and his wife the rewards of fostering were enormous.

"It keeps us feeling youthful and keeps us in touch with young people," he said.

"It gives us a sense of balance in our lives and helps us put things in perspective.

"When we see young people in later life, that we have cared for, we feel a sense of pride in their achievements and also for ourselves - that we have been able to help others reach their full potential.

"A little bit of support at the right time is sometimes all these young people need."