SPECIALIST foster carers are needed in York to give a home to teenage boys with complex needs.

City of York Council is looking for specialist foster carers who are able to support the boys who have special educational needs and disabilities that may present challenging behaviour.

The authority is taking the unusual step of appealing for specialist carers because the young people have such challenging needs.

Sue Wick, from City of York Council’s Fostering team, said: “We have some brilliant foster carers in York, but unfortunately those who have the necessary skills to support these young people already have placements.

“The young men we’re looking to place have highly challenging behaviours, disabilities and special educational needs and will continue to require support well beyond their 18th birthdays, so we’re need people who are happy to provide a long-term placement.

"Previous experience of fostering isn’t necessary, but we do need people who have experience of working with young people with disabilities and challenging behaviours.”

Foster carers come from all different walks of life and help to look after children in a safe and secure environment when they cannot live with their own families.

This often happens following incidents such as family difficulties, illness or drug-related problems it is sometimes best for a child to be placed in a foster home.

In some cases fostering can be very short-term, perhaps even overnight, and many children return home to their parents once the problem has been resolved.

In other cases, children are unable to return home and need long-term foster care or adoption.

A remuneration package reflecting the challenging and specialist nature of the role will be available to the right candidates.

For more information about the role, phone the fostering team or short breaks team on (01904) 555333 or (01904) 555699 or email fostering@york.gov.uk

An information evening about the roles will be held at West Offices, York, on November 11, from 6pm to 7pm.