AN APPEAL has been made for more foster carers in Huddersfield.
Kirklees Family Placement Unit urgently needs long-term carers for 12 local children aged 10 and over.
Fostering team manager Rob Taylor said some people might be put off thinking they were too old to do the job.
But 60% of foster carers are over 40.
"Children in the over-10 age group don't necessarily need to have young foster carers," said Mr Taylor.
"We want to encourage people whose children may have grown up and left home but would like to use that experience to care for a local child.
"Foster carers can be single people or couples. You do not have to be a parent or have a job.
"You do need to enjoy older children, feel you can make a difference to their lives and see them through to adulthood.
"We need people from different backgrounds as we aim to match children with foster carers who can meet their cultural and religious needs."
Foster carers receive allowances to provide care for a child. They have access to training, support from professional workers.
Mr Taylor said: "For many people, fostering is something they may have thought about, but they have never taken that first step.
"One reason for this could be that they think they are too old or caring for a young child is too great a commitment.
"We urge anyone who is interested in fostering to contact us for more information."
Anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer is asked to phone the Family Placement Unit on 01924 483707 during office hours or leave a message on the free answerphone at 0800 3890086.
