To give you an idea of the type of people that become foster carers,we've detailed profiles of a small sample of our existing carers. We've also recently produced a dvd, where our carers talk openly about their fostering experience, to request your free copy, call any of our regional offices.
Jeff & Rose.
Jeff, along with his wife Rose have been fostering for six years. Although Rose is the primary carer it was a joint-decision by the couple and Jeff was equally as keen as his wife to take on the role. They have four birth children and currently care for three foster children.
Jeff, has always been a devoted rugby player and has also coached his local team. When he initially decided to become a foster carer some friends and work colleagues pulled his leg about it, saying that they admired his intentions but questioned whether they could make the same commitment, however they were all supportive.
Jeff explained: "I had always been interested in fostering and when my eldest son left home it seemed the right time to pursue it further. My wife and I did a lot of research first and discussed it with the whole family before deciding it was the right thing for us.
"Although it can be a demanding 24/7 role with its ups and downs, as with any family life, we have never regretted our decision to become a foster caring family.
"To be a good foster carer you have to be physically and emotionally tough it can be very challenging but it's worth it to see a child turn their life around and carve out a bright future for themselves with your support.
"Men and women make equally good foster carers and I think it is important that foster children have access to both male and female role-models. The skills I've developed as a foster carer actually helped make me a better rugby coach. As a coach it's important to motivate, inspire and also discipline your players and the same applies to foster children," he added.
Inspired by his father's decision to become a carer, Jeff's son Marcus and his partner Linda are also foster carers. Like his father Marcus is a rugby fanatic and plays prop for his local team.
Marcus said: "Without foster carers a lot of youngsters would have been denied the opportunity to build a better future for themselves, which is why it's so important that more men become involved in foster caring."
Darren Barr.
Former special needs care assistant Darren Barr from Edgmond, near Newport in Shropshire, who along with his partner Jacqui have been fostering for just over a year.
Although Darren is the primary carer it was a joint-decision by the couple and Jacqui was equally as keen as Darren to take on the role. The couple are unable to have their own children and currently care for one foster child, 12-year-old Steven (not his real name).
Darren has always known his vocation in life was to work in the care sector and says his family and friends have been very supportive of his and Jacqui's decision to become foster carers.
Explained Darren: "We decided to foster rather than adopt because we were aware of the need for more foster carers. We also thought we could do some good and help a child who might otherwise not have a second chance in life.
"Jacqui and I did a lot of research before deciding to become foster carers and we discussed it with the whole family before concluding it was the right thing for us. Although it can be a demanding 24/7 role with its ups and downs, as with any family life, we have never regretted our decision to become foster carers.
"To be a good foster carer you have to be physically and emotionally tough it can be very challenging but it's worth it to see a child turn their life around and carve out a brighter future with your support.
"We've gained so much from being foster carers. It hasn't always been easy, especially as we didn't have children of our own before fostering, but we wouldn't change any of it. We have received so much professional support, help and advice from Pathway Care. They work with local authorities and provide us with a dedicated support worker who is a qualified social worker. It's reassuring to know they are always a phone call away, 24/7, 365 days a year."
Added Darren: "It is great to think that you have made a real difference in someone's life and been able to make a positive impact on their future. A lot of foster children have lacked a positive male role model in their lives, which is why it's so important that more men become involved in foster caring."
Diane Williams
Diane Williams, fosters five children and has cared for around 40 youngsters over a period of eight years. As if that was not enough - Diane is also amongst a handful of specialist foster carers who look after young mothers and their babies.
Together with her husband Gareth, aged 53, the couple have looked after four mums and their five children. One of those mums was Donna Bishop, now aged 21, and her son Jordan.
Donna, originally from Merthyr Tydfil, was just 14 when she fell pregnant with her son, and following a difficult split with her birth mother, ended up in foster care.
Said Diane: "I can remember the first day they came to stay with us. Donna was clearly a natural, caring mum but she was very suspicious of us and anyone in a position of authority. She had been through a very difficult period but over time we were able to establish a good relationship with her based on trust and mutual respect.
"It's incredible to think that was seven years ago and both Donna and Jordan are still with us. Foster children normally leave their carers when they reach the age of 18 but we're delighted that Donna and Jordan are still part of our family, we wouldn't have it any other way," she added.
The couple strongly believe that everyone deserves a chance in life and
over the years Diane and Gareth have helped many foster children turn their lives around.
Said Donna, "At first I was over-protective of Jordan and didn't want anybody to tell me how to look after him. But Diane and Gareth have always been honest and fair with me and over time we have built up a strong and loving bond."
With a clear eye on her future, Donna has worked hard whilst also caring for her son (now aged 7), and is currently studying at college for a qualification in child care. One day she hopes to become a foster carer herself.
Added Donna: "I owe so much to Diane and Gareth, they have been incredibly supportive. They have helped me to raise Jordan and encouraged me to stay in education. I'd hate to think how things could have ended up for me and Jordan without them."