FIFTEEN children in Kirklees need loving homes in the area.
They are youngsters who are waiting for permanent foster homes.
Council officials admit that most of them have had troubled lives and need extra help, emotionally, socially and educationally.
They are with short-term carers until permanent foster homes can be found.
The children range from seven-year-olds to teenagers.
There are girls and boys and siblings who want and need to stay together.
Their backgrounds reflect the ethnic mix of people in Kirklees.
Clr Geoff Alvy, who has responsibility for children's services on the Kirklees Council cabinet, said: "This is an important initiative by the council's family placement team to recruit more foster carers for children needing permanent families.
"I hope people take that first step of finding out more about what's involved."
Applications to foster children are welcome from all ethnic groups, couples - married or not - single people, people with or without their own children, able- bodied or disabled people, people with or without jobs, homeowners and people who rent their homes.
Foster carers receive training and regular support. They also receive a cash allowance for the skills and care they provide.
Anyone who thinks they could provide a home for a child or young person until they reach adulthood, or who would like to find out more about all types of fostering, is asked to ring the Family Placement Unit on 01394 483707 or Freephone 0800 389 0086.
More details can be obtained from the website http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/fostering
