A CAMPAIGN to find more foster carers for teenagers has been launched by Oxfordshire County Council.

There are now 549 children in care in Oxfordshire, most of which at some point will need a foster placement.

According to the council, at any one time about half of these are teenagers aged 13 and above, and at the moment there are 266 in care.

Melinda Tilley, cabinet member for children, education and families, said: “It is traditionally more difficult to find foster carers who are open to looking after teenagers, with many feeling unable to manage the more complex and challenging needs of an older child.

“But it is a huge opportunity to make a difference to a young person’s life at a crucial time in their development. We’d love to hear from people who think they could provide that support and guidance.”

The council’s fostering team has published a promotional video on YouTube as part of a wider advertising campaign to encourage more people to come forward.

This follows a drive in recent months to increase the general number of foster carers in Oxfordshire.

In April the county council announced it would invest £180,000 to create ‘foster care hubs’, where staff will offer extra support to foster parents.

As well as people interested in offering homes to teenagers, the council is especially interested in hearing from people open to fostering sibling groups and disabled children.

Anyone interested should call 0800 7835724 or visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering.