POTENTIAL foster carers are being offered information through a new charter and leaflet.

To coincide with national Foster Care Fortnight, which runs until Friday, Sunderland City Council's social services department has launched a Foster Care Charter and Information About Foster Care leaflet. The charter provides potential carers with information on help provided by social services, and explains policies on recruitment and how carers are approved.

The leaflet answers questions about fostering and contains comments from carers who have found foster care rewarding. They describe the pleasure of a child's first certificate from school and make comments such as: "You get rewards from small achievements."

Karen Wilson, social services division manager, said people must have as much information as possible before making their decision. To become a carer call 0191-382 3108.