Foster parent Mandy Crockett has had 19 placements in four-and-a-half years
A heart and a home are what you need to become a successful foster parent, according to veteran carer Mandy Crockett.
Mandy, 53, has offered her Maldon home to 19 children over the last four-and-a-half yeasr, having previously raised four children of her own.
She said: "It was just the right thing for me. I have four children of my own, aged 29-20, so I was used to it.
"They have loved it, they were older so there wasn't any competition."
Essex County Council is desperately seeking foster parents to support local children.
For more information call 0800 801 530 or visit essex.gov.uk/fostering
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here