Foster carers give a loving, safe home to young people who for whatever reason can't be with their birth family.
Some children in foster carer need only a brief stay with a foster family before they are able to return home. More often though young people need long-term fostering.
Foster carers provide this important service to young people on behalf of the Local Authority, that is ultimately responsible for their welfare.
Foster care agencies such as Family Fostercare work between Local Authorities and foster carers to help make each foster care placement a success.
In recognition of the important service they provide foster carers receive an allowance which enables them to provide the best possible standard of care.