MORE foster carers are needed to meet a growing demand for stable and loving foster homes.

There are over 63,000 children currently living in foster care in the UK and, according to recent figures, an estimated further 8,600 foster homes nationwide are required to meet the demand.

In Worcestershire, 70 more foster carers must be recruited by 2017 to meet this growing demand.

Joy Pollock has recently become a Worcestershire foster carer along with her husband Tom who works full time.

The couple have two young children.

Mrs Pollock said she had had it in the back of her mind for years.

She said: "I found I was always crying over news stories about children, but saw no point in just crying.

"It doesn't help anyone.

"So we decided to actually do something about it."

The couple completed a loft conversion and welcomed their first foster child - a girl - into their lives in February 2015.

Mrs Pollock said: "We chose to foster at this stage in life because it was the most seamless transition.

"I was not in paid work as I had been raising our family, so there was nothing I had to sacrifice or give up to do the job.

"It is an absolute joy and privilege to look after her and to see her thrive, grow and develop in our care.

"Just a giggle or a smile that lights up her whole face makes it worthwhile."

The couple chose to foster a child younger than their own two children, who have adjusted well to caring for someone younger than themselves.

Mrs Pollock said: "Having three children obviously makes life busier than with two, but actually it's a bit like economies of scale.

"The more hidden workload comes with meetings, paperwork, Looked after child reviews and communications with other agencies.

"Having a good support network around me in terms of toddler groups and friends with children the same age really helps, so we share expertise, resources and sleep deprivation stories.

"As it was in the best interest of the child I agreed to the parents visiting her at my home.

"This is a big commitment and the challenge for me is to make it work and use the time productively."

She added that Worcestershire county council offered lots of training, resources and support.

To find out more about fostering for Worcestershire, visit worcestershirefostering.co.uk, or facebook.com/fosteringworcestershire, or take a look at the YouTube channel http://bit.ly/1B9VTBR.

Alternatively, you can call 0800 028 2158.