LOVING homes are desperately needed for children whose parents are unable to look after them.

Foster parents and couples who have adopted youngsters are now being encouraged to recommend friends or relatives to follow their example.

The 'refer a friend' scheme will reward carers who introduce new families.

Foster mum Chris Pugh and her husband, John, have been fostering since 1978.

After looking after babies and younger children, they now concentrate on caring for teenagers.

"You don't need to be extra special to do this," said Chris. "You just need to realise that a young person has different needs to a younger child.

"Younger children thrive on lots of cuddles, kisses and love, whereas the young person who comes to live with you might have reached the age of 14 and never experienced that kind of nurturing or love."

Young people aged 13-17, she says, are at the most vulnerable age and desperately need guidance and security.

"To be a teenage carer, you need patience, a non judgemental attitude and a willingness to try and bring a small amount of stability and routine to what has probably been a chaotic childhood."

Helping children to develop to their full potential, she says, is very rewarding.

"It could be achieving GCSE's, changing bad habits or knowing how to cook, clean and budget," said Chris.

"You can be sure that their stay with you will make a difference."

Cllr Pat Tyrrell, board member for social care, said: "We can't express enough how important it is to find more people in Halton who are willing to provide loving and secure homes for children."

Weekly allowances starting at £450 are offered to teenage carers.

If you are interested in fostering or adoption, call 01928-704360.