Specialist foster carers will help troubled youngsters in Reading

Treatment Foster Care is designed to help troubled young people - aged 10 to 16 - in Reading, Berkshire, cope with life's challenges.

Those with severe behaviour problems and a history of criminal or anti-social activity will also be supported.

The scheme will place children with specially-trained foster carers.

Pete Ruhemann, lead councillor for the council's children's services, said: "It will need a lot of work to put it together, and a huge commitment from the foster carers who agree to take part in it, but it could make all the difference for some young people."

A team of professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and education specialists, will provide backing for both the carers and the youngsters.