oh, my god. over 23 years, she's cared for more than 50 young people, many from challenging backgrounds. over 23 years, she�*s cared for more than 50 young people, many from challenging backgrounds. you just try and make them feel as relaxed as possible. never put any pressure on them to suddenly start talking to you about everything, just let them ease themselves in. it sounds really silly, butjust being able to eat grapes whenever i wanted was a big thing. not having to ask for food. it was a big adjustment, to kind of have this freedom here. across the region, foster carers like patsy are in high demand. alongside local authority placements, independent foster care agencies are often key in finding homes for older children and teenagers — young people often left waiting for appropriate care. teenagers who come into care - sometimes have been in care before, they may have been in and out- of care, and perhaps do have more complicated life stories. that's a fact. however, i think foster carers - caring for teenagers sort of realise that often, stability and security and care to those young people | is immensely rewarding and valuable.