A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy is looking for a foster family to care for him during the week, allowing him to return to his mother at weekends.

John (not his real name), from Darlington, is unable to stay with his mother permanently, because she suffers from emotional problems, which leave her unable to care for him full-time.

His mother and father have separated, and John's brother stays with his father. Unfortunately, his father does not feel able to care for John as well.

Although John and his mother are aware that he needs more care than she can provide, they want to maintain as much contact as possible.

Gill Sharkey, a social worker for children and families at Darlington Borough Council, said: "He is a lovely, polite little boy who does well in school, and we do not want to disrupt him any more than we have to.

"His mother is terrified that she is going to lose him, but we would like them to still have every weekend together, and perhaps have tea together some nights in his foster home.

"It is unusual, because what we usually want is for a foster family to provide respite care at weekends, and have the children cared for in their family during the week.

"But this is not the case here. We are looking for a family who can give him the love, attention and care that he needs during the week, to give his mother a chance to recharge her batteries, so they can spend quality time together at the weekend."

If you would like to help, contact Gill on (01325) 346218.