A KIDDERMINSTER foster carer has spoken of the value of giving secure homes to children as council bosses look for more people to join the service.

More than 330 children and young people from across the county spent Christmas and the New Year in Worcestershire County Council fostering households.

The authority is now encouraging anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to get in touch with them.

Long-term foster carer Adele Green, from Kidderminster, has two foster girls living with her husband Michael and their three sons.

She said: “I grew up in a fostering household. My mum was a foster carer and throughout my childhood, I was a foster sister to lots of people.

"I currently foster care for two girls who have lived with me and my husband Michael for five years.

"I have three children of my own and don't treat any of them any differently.

"Having grown up in a foster household, I have a good understanding of both sides. This helps me make decisions that benefit everyone in the home."

Whilst fostering households across Worcestershire have increased significantly in the past two years, the number of children coming into the care system continues to climb and many foster carers are approaching retirement.

Councillor Andy Roberts, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Children and Families, said: "Ensuring children and young people are safe is one of the Council's key priorities.

“For those vulnerable children who are most at risk, we focus our efforts of providing them with a positive care experience so they can thrive and reach full potential.

“The future may seem uncertain for children and young people in care, which is why it's so important that our fostering households provide these children with secure environments to enjoy all the year through."

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more by visiting www.worcestershirefostering.co.uk