TO anyone contemplating fostering a child through the local social services, my advice is be very wary.

A friend of mine has fostered a boy for a period of time now and was told that she would be given support so that she could go out occasionally!

This does not happen.

For the last six months she has virtually been a prisoner in her own home.

On at least four occasions she has been due to go to the theatre with a group of friends but has been unable to do so.

In spite of the initial assurances, the local social services have failed to provide alternative support for this child, who is not in any way difficult to manage.

I write this letter as a warning to others not to be taken in by the assurances the local social services give.

Name and address supplied