A BARNARDO'S project is seeking carers for youngsters who have sexually abused other children.

Members of the Genesis service aim to provide therapeutic care for youngsters aged between eight and 16.

The North-East project is one of only a handful of such schemes operating in the UK.

Carers are paid £18,000 and receive a retainer payment, even when there is no young person living with them.

Fees used to be about £13,500 but have been increased to recognise the range of skills needed by Genesis carers.

Sue Holton, Genesis project manager, said: "Some of the children who have sexually harmed have had very damaging experiences themselves, including abuse and neglect, and they need care and nurturing.

"We cannot lose sight of the fact that, although they have shown some challenging behaviour, they are children first and foremost and some of them are very young."

Research suggests that adult offenders can begin abusing as adolescents but the majority of children who sexually abuse other children do not go on to become adult sex offenders.

Youngsters in the programme receive counselling and assistance from therapists.

Foster carers provide a stable home life and supervision for the young person and challenge anything they say or do that is inappropriate.

Placements are for a minimum of six months with no upper time limit, although some successful placements can last for several years.

Only people with no children in the household under 16 can be considered as foster carers but all kinds of families, as well as single people and anyone over 25, can apply.

The selecion process takes nine months.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the project is asked to contact 0191-240 4836.