Many people don't recognise that they already have the qualities to give a child the stability, love and care they need. Find out how four local couples took the plunge, and how fostering helped one teenager, Ruth.
'We had moved to a larger house and had quite a few spare rooms so lots of space to have more than our first two children. … there's always something new to learn.'
'I love it when children who can be on a very limited diet when they first come end up eating every vegetable and fruit under the sun!'
'A challenge for me in fostering would be to stay patient when there are five children in the house all wanting different things!'
At the age of 15 fostering transformed Ruth's life. Ten years on, she has a partner and daughter of her own.
East Sussex County Council