Plans for expansion of pilot fostering scheme in region

The county's social services department is one of only 18 in this country piloting the US-developed Fostering Change scheme.

Following trials in the Ryedale and Scarborough areas, it is to be launched in the Thirsk, Easingwold and York areas.

Fostering Change aims to bring about positive changes in the lives of youngsters aged ten to 16 who are in care and have complex needs.

It embraces a radically different approach to foster care of young people who have complex needs, in the hope that with a new kind of care package they can make positive changes and turn their lives around.

It involves young people having an intensive, individually-tailored programme in the care of specially selected foster carers who have 24-hour support from a multi-disciplinary specialist team.

The search is now on to find sufficient dedicated carers who can receive up to £32,000 a year in fees and allowances.

Caroline Patmore, the county's executive member for children's services, said the scheme was a "brilliant" way to help young people in care make something of their lives and avoid the spiral of decline.

"We know it will be a major challenge finding the carers who will help make the project work, but I am confident that our campaign will attract the committed and devoted people we need to ensure its success.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to help change the lives of vulnerable young people and to give them the chance of a real future.

"The treatment foster care package offers a real hope of achieving change and providing a cost effective alternative to out of county residential care for adolescents exhibiting very challenging, anti-social behaviour.

"We are very pleased to have been selected as pilot for this exciting and innovative programme."

Treatment foster care will be provided by specially-selected couples, one of whom must be able to devote their full time to the task.

Anyone interested is asked to contact 0800 0286 599.