Vulnerable older children in Bradford are having to be looked after outside the district because of a lack of foster carers, Council chiefs have revealed.

Almost 450 children aged over ten are in the care of Bradford Council, 259 of whom are living with foster carers or are in residential care.

Because there are not enough foster carers in Bradford for the age group, 30 youngsters over the age of ten are cared for outside the district or are in residential homes.

As Foster Care Fortnight approaches, starting on Monday, Bradford Council is appealing to potential foster carers to get in touch. Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for children and young people, said: “Foster-ing is a vocation of enormous responsibility which can lead to great personal reward.

“Knowing you helped a teenager overcome their problems and return to their family, or find their feet and make their way in the world, is something you will never forget.”

Most foster carers look after children full-time, but there are opportunities for people to foster part-time and continue with their job.

The short placements give the teenager somewhere safe and secure to stay while a longer term solution is sought.

Bradford Council also runs a scheme offering specialist carers, who take on children with more challenging behaviour and are usually aged over ten.

Anyone who wants further information can phone (01274) 434331.