A FOSTER care scheme which offers carers fees of up to £16,000 a year is creating nationwide interest.

The Social Services initiative in Sunderland began two years ago.

Debbie Gaskin, manager of the fostering team, said: "We are asking carers not only to take these youngsters into their homes and treat them as one of the family, but also to work closely with the child's parents, teachers, health workers, and other professionals.

"Our expectations of carers in more complex cases amount to a full-time job.

"We know there are people who need to work for financial reasons, but who would dearly love to be at home working with children."

The scheme is being used as an example to help promote National Foster Care Fortnight and has been applauded by the national campaign for changing the face of foster care, and introducing the issue into the national arena.

Social Services now pays between £15,000 and £16,000 per year to make fostering a real alternative for carers.

As part of the celebrations for the fortnight, which starts today and goes on until June 17, the fostering team will be offering advice and information about fostering.

On June 11 and 12, staff will be available to talk to people about all aspects of fostering including temporary and permanent fostering, foster care workers' schemes, short breaks for children with disabilities and remand fostering.

Staff will be available all day, and anyone interested is welcome to attend.

The City of Sunderland Fostering Team will be available to provide advice on Wednesday in the City Library and Arts Centre, Fawcett Street, for people interested in joining the Foster Care Workers' Scheme.

Anyone wanting more details about the workers' scheme, which is held at the city library, should contact the fostering team on 0191-382 3108 before Wednesday