Helping a youngster change the course of their life is just one of the rewards for a foster parent, according to a Tunbridge Wells couple who have cared for five children.

Ian Taylor, 46, and wife Anne, 41, are just one success story of leading children's charity NCH, which has launched a campaign to find more committed foster parents in Tunbridge Wells.

The charity, which has been matching youngsters with families for the past century, wants to remedy the shortage of carers in Tunbridge Wells. It wants five to six carers who will be able to draw on the experiences of existing foster parents.

The Taylor's, who have fostered five children during the past three years, said offering children security and parental control can lead to positive results.

"Often foster children have problems with behaviour and discipline, but they are all the product of their backgrounds. The reward lies in the knowledge that you have helped a youngster change their life" Ian said.

He said the rigorous checks by NCH were vital to ensure children were matched with the right carers and homes. Detailed application forms are checked by social workers that also run police, medical and background checks, including interviews with friends and neighbours.

Successful prospective parents go before a panel of social workers and solicitors when the age and number of the children is decided.

Ian said the screening might seem intrusive but it was necessary. "It's also important that homes are checked for problem pets or faulty electrical equipment" he added.

Once the children are placed there is a constant back up including regular visits from social workers and 24-hour daily professional support.

"No-one is left just to get on with" said Ian, who stressed the importance of families being fully prepared before taking in a foster child.

"They should talk that matter through with their immediate family, particularly if they already have children. This way issues such as rivalry and jealousy can be avoided".

For the past year the Taylor's have been fostering a 15-year old refugee whose family was killed during the civil war. The teenage boy has settled well into the community and has developed an interest in acting.

Project manager of NCH South East Annie Bousfield said carers, who receive rigorous training, are chosen irrespective of race, sexual orientation or marital status. Although it is not a set rule, NCH prefers to place children with families of a similar background and particularly want to encourage applications from members of the black community.

To request an information pack or find out more about becoming a foster parent contact the NCH on 0800 7835351

Used courtesy of the This is Kent website