A NEW scheme, aimed at improving the health, education and opportunities of 13 to 17 year olds in specialist residential or foster care, is to be launched in Burnley.

Lancashire County Council's Care Plus scheme will be based at the Easden Clough Resource Centre, in Morse Street and up to four youngsters will be accommodated at any one time.

With the help of the project workers, they will benefit from individual care plans, around the clock care and support and developmental sessions with key workers.

Young people will also meet and work with foster carers, who will play an active role in the running of the centre, giving them the opportunity to build relationships prior to a family placement.

Social services committee chairman Coun Doreen Pollitt, said: "The children and young people taking part in the care plus scheme are among the most vulnerable in our society. They have all experienced serious family breakdown and many have had long periods away from home and parents.

"Everyone involved in the scheme will be working very hard to make it succeed. We are looking for new foster carers. This would entail devoting a great deal of time to working with young people both in the centre and at home.

"If anyone feels they could meet the challenge and would like more information, they should contact Ethel Lloyd of the Care Plus scheme on 01282 427086."

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