VULNERABLE youngsters will receive better quality care under a new fostering scheme being launched in the North-East.

The major children's charity NCH is setting up intensively supported foster care for youngsters aged 11-17. Aimed specifically at those with behaviour problems, or who have been moved around in the past, the scheme will be based at Riverside Court, Middlesbrough. Over the next three years, its organisers hope to recruit sufficient carers to offer homes for 20 youngsters.

The initiative is based on a similar scheme currently operating in Glasgow. Jane Butler, assistant director of children's services for NCH in the North-East, said it has proved successful in meeting the youngsters' needs.

"The idea is to offer a very intensive and supportive service in their own region, so that we can help young people to have a stable home in their community," she said. "It typically involves young people who have been in a number of local authority care placements and have had complicated histories."

Although NCH has already formed a partnership with Middlesbrough Borough Council, guaranteeing the authority four foster home places, the other 16 will be available to other authorities within a 50-mile radius.

Each carer will work with a team of Family Placement professionals, with candidates being recruited in a rolling programme. Ms Butler said: "We are looking for experienced carers. We are also thinking about youth workers, residential workers, teachers, social workers and people who have worked with young people with challenging behaviour."

Ms Butler said that the carers fees will reflect the organisation's view of them as professionals. Central to the scheme is the intensive support they will receive, including 24-hour access to advice and up to six weeks' respite care a year.

She said: "Each placement will only involve one young person and will last an average of 12 months. After that, they will move on to something else. The idea is to offer the placement for as long as the young person needs it."

Anyone interested in applying for a carer's post should contact Keith Miller on (01642) 249 452.

Updated: 17.27 Tuesday, April 24