WILTSHIRE Council is appealing for more caring people and their families who can offer a foster home to a child who needs to be looked after.

The council has about 440 children in care at any one time and now the county has launched a three-year plan to find 120 new foster families so that it can care for as many looked after children as possible with Wiltshire approved foster carers.

It urgently needs 36 new carers this year to keep the drive on track.

The call coincides with Foster Care Fortnight, a nationwide campaign to find 7,000 families for children nationwide.

Councillor Laura Mayes cabinet member for children, said: “Fostering makes a positive difference to a child’s life, and we really want to talk to people who can offer love, warmth and a positive home life.

“Fostering can transform a child’s life and help them achieve their full potential.”

To become an approved Wiltshire foster carer a person must be at least 21 and have a spare bedroom big enough for a child or young person to use.

They do not need to own their home, and foster carers can come from all kinds of backgrounds, faiths and cultures.

There is no upper age limit, and single people can be foster carers. Foster parents don’t need qualifications, and training and support is provided. Foster carers receive an age-related allowance for the child they are looking after and a fee which reflects their skills and experience.

To find out more visit wiltshire.gov.uk/fostering.