Many children in need of a long-term home

“She used to play for an under 12s football league team and she has dreams of becoming a vet one day.

“Olivia would benefit most from being part of a two-parent family in or around Kirklees. She loves being around other children so a bigger family, where she’d be the oldest child, would be ideal for her.

“For the right family we would provide a full package of ongoing training and support.”

During his seven years at the local authority, Allan has advocated on behalf of numerous children in care.

He said: “Children in care are some of the most vulnerable you’ll ever meet. They often feel alone so need someone who’ll really believe in them.

“Our short-term foster carers do an amazing job. However, finding a long-term foster family for a child is a process. As in Olivia’s case, a child is usually placed with a short-term family until long-term arrangements can be made but there simply aren’t enough long-term carers.

“Just imagine how any child would feel in this situation as everything and everyone they’ve ever known keeps changing.

“This is why we urgently need more people who care enough to invest in a child’s future to come forward. If anyone thinks they can help Olivia, or one of the other 59 children in our care, please get in