The demand for foster carers to provide a loving home for this age group is very high

The perception that teenagers are more difficult to care for than younger children we feel is not a true reflection. They present similar challenges as any child coming in to care however, teenagers are more likely to have difficulty with trust issues, especially if they have been in care for a while and have been through previous placements. Teenagers may present Challenges as a result of the hurt, loss and separation they may have experienced. Sometimes the older children have had to protect younger siblings and as a result have provided the role of parents from a young age and as such not had anyone focus on their needs.