WE were sorry to hear of the experience of the anonymous writer regarding their local fostering service (Letters, July 17).

Buckinghamshire Social Services is committed to supporting and retaining foster carers and is constantly striving to improve the fostering service and to recruit new carers from a diversity of backgrounds.

Recent independent research showed that the overwhelming majority of carers were satisfied with the support they received and felt that their contribution is valued.

In certain situations respite care may be part of a child's care plan.

Arrangements can be negotiated between the carer and worker to provide respite on a regular or occasional basis. This support to foster carers will often come from other carers or their friends and family who have been approved to support the foster carer with their placement.

Buckinghamshire is committed to offering training and support to carers to prepare them for the important role of looking after children who are unable to live with their own families for a variety of reasons.

Further support to our foster carers is given by membership of the National Foster Care Association and the Buckinghamshire Foster Carers Forum.

We also offer a 24-hour telephone support line for foster carers.

A career in foster care can be very rewarding and you can make a real difference to a child's life.

We need a wide variety of people who can offer different forms of foster care from one weekend a month respite to longer-term caring for a child up to the age of 18. Apart from the financial allowance, we give carers regular support from a social worker and open access to an independent mediator.

If anyone is interested in finding out more information, please contact the family placement team on 01296 382555.

Roshan Chakravorty

Social Services

Buckinghamshire County Council