FAMILIES in Wiltshire are being urged to think about fostering as one of their New Year's resolutions.

The plea comes from Wiltshire County Council, which said there are currently around 300 children and young people who are looked after by the council because they are unable to live with their own families.

These children are cared for in many different ways, but the council considers fostering the best form of alternative care.

Helen Vennard, Wiltshire County Council's family placement team manager, said: "Foster carers make a difference in young people's lives, and because of this becoming a carer is very rewarding.

"Wiltshire, like most other places in the country, is always aiming to recruit good quality carers and the festive period is no exception to this.

"I would like to encourage anyone who feels they have something to offer to give our free phone line a call and leave their details. A family placement officer will then get back to them in the new year to discuss their interest further."

Prospective foster carers can offer a range of fostering.

This could involve short breaks, when a young person would have regular, planned overnight visits away from their family to help support them.

Some carers provide short term fostering which involves the young person being in foster care from a couple of nights to a couple of months.

Other carers provide long-term placements that would last until the child reaches adult life.

Foster carers don't need any qualifications and Wiltshire County Council provides a full range of on-going training, supervision and support.

However carers do need a good support network, resilience and an understanding of children's and young people's needs.

All foster carers receive an allowance, but there are also paid fostering schemes depending on carers' experience and skills.

Anyone interested in finding out more can ring Wiltshire County Council free on 0800 169 6321 or visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk and click onto Social Care/services for children/fostering.