An extra 700 foster families are needed in Wales

There is a national shortage of foster carers in the UK, in Wales alone it is estimated that another 700 foster families are needed.

Jackie and Mike Handley, who live in Rogerstone, Newport, have been foster carers for the past four years, and have looked after 16 youngsters in that time.

They admit that fostering is not easy, and have decided to set up a "fostering buddy" scheme to help others.

Jackie spoke to the BBC News website as part of the Fostering Network's Foster Care Fortnight .

When children come to us, they become part of the family and this is their home Jackie Handley

"I always wanted to be a foster carer because I was in care myself," explained Mrs Handley.

"But we decided that we weren't going to do it until our own children were grown up.

"We have had children from the age of four right up to the age of 20. One lad came to us not long after we registered, and has only just left us to start out on his own.

"When children come to us, they become part of the family and this is their home.

"We treat them as we would treat our own and I have to say that this has got to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

"When you take in a child or young adult, you've got to deal with all the ups and downs that come with it.

"You've got to be the taxi driver and check their homework and do all the things that parents do with their own children," she said.

There is a huge shortage of carers and we are desperate for more carers to come forward Jackie Handley

Mrs Handley has helped set up the Newport Foster Care Association to support other foster carers in the area.

"Its about letting other carers know that there are other people out there in the same boat and we are there for carers who are only just starting out," she said.

"There is a huge shortage of carers and we are desperate for more carers to come forward.

"But there are a lot of myths about foster caring and what it involves.

"Children are precious and they have got to be treated with respect.

"It is never the child's fault if they have to go into care and you can never blame the child.

"It is a myth that every child who goes into care is to blame but that is never the case and there are so many reasons why children go into care," she said.

'Daunting'

The association, which is open to all foster carers in Newport, acts as a buddy scheme between new and experienced carers.

"Many people are apprehensive about the thought of looking after a child, but imagine how daunting it must be for the child," she said.

"Some of the children are very withdrawn but with stability and boundaries and respect, its an absolute joy to see them come out of their shells.

"The children we have had here really become part of our family and although we accept that they are not ours it can be very hard especially when they leave us.

"A little tear is often shed when they go" she added.