More Foster Carers Needed In Essex

An Essex foster-mum says single people and same-sex couples could help fill a shortfall of carers here.

Louise Groves has been talking to Heart as part of Fostercare Fortnight.

The 33-year-old from Colchester has fostered more than 40 children in the past 5 years.

More than 650 children need fostering in Essex each year but with just 632 foster carers in the county, some youngsters end up being looked after elsewhere.

In the last 8 months, Essex County Council has had to use outside agencies to find 70 children a placement and say they need 100-120 more foster carers to cover the shortfall.