'Being a foster carer is a brilliant experience'

A foster child has said that being cared for by a foster parent gave a "degree of stability" amid a drive for more carers to try and meet demand.

Demand for foster placements continues to outstrip demand despite having more than 300 carers, Surrey County Council said.

It comes as the authority aims to recruit a further 50 carers to help look after children, which one foster parent has called a "brilliant experience".

Sam, 17, who has been with foster parent Ben for the past four years, said: "It's very supportive. I know I can do whatever I want to do and Ben will be there standing by that."

Ben told BBC Radio Surrey: "Every foster carer is different, but what we have in common is we want to support the young people we care for.

"It's just about giving them support and stability and allowing them to regain trust."

Surrey County Council said 377 children were looked after in foster placements in the county.

A council spokesperson said that 40 carers recruited in 2025 went on to care for a further 28 children across Surrey.

Carers can look after children in short term respite care, supported lodgings where older foster children transition to living independently, and parent and child placements.

Helyn Clark, cabinet member for children and families, said: "More carers are urgently needed.

"In Surrey, we need to recruit at least 40 new foster carers each year to keep children close to their schools, friends and communities and support them at a time when they need it most."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.