The parents who have 67 children

By Sallie George
BBC News, England

More than 4,000 new foster carers are needed in England, the charity said

Over the past 15 years, Carol and Colin Rothery have fostered 64 children - in addition to bringing up their own three.

As the charity Fostering Network issued a warning over a shortage of foster carers in England, Mrs Rothery spoke about life as a foster mother.

The couple, who have taken in young offenders and children with behaviour disorders, said they viewed fostering as a challenge, but an "exciting adventure".

Mrs Rothery, 46, said: "It started by accident - in our area a young man was coming out of prison, and none of his family wanted to take him in.

"We'd done voluntary work with young people and decided we would take him in.

"It became so successful we decided to do it again."

If there's even just a handful who we can help turn around, then it's really worth it Carol Rothery

The couple, from Barmby-on-the Marsh near Goole, east Yorkshire, took in the 22-year-old under a strict regime, helping him channel the aggressive behaviour which had led to him being jailed, into more positive activities.

She said: "He managed to get back into college, and went to the gym, and started training other people.

"He still comes on holiday with us, and comes back to us for Christmas."

Next, the couple began to take in young offenders who were awaiting sentencing at court.

She said: "People might be scared of it, but it was quite easy because the court imposes all the restrictions on them.

"Like with any adventure there is a risk, but we always meet the person before taking them on.

"Generally speaking, you get a sixth sense, you just know if they will fit with your family.

"A lot of them are so young, and so grateful there is a meal on the table, and a clean shirt for school.

At first I didn't speak English and it was difficult to understand things, but with help from my foster family I was able to communicate Fisnik Tahiri

"There are quite a few of them who have turned their lives around and are doing okay, and others are still writing to me from prison.

"But their time in foster care gives them a chance to see something else and gives them a choice. Some just don't know any different, they think the life they've had before is normal.

"If there's even just a handful who we can help turn around, then it's really worth it. It's such an exciting journey.

"To be a foster carer, you have got to be really up for a challenge, be ready for the unexpected and roll with the punches. Mostly you've got to learn to laugh."

Fisnik Tahiri, 19, came to England from Kosovo in 2002 aged 14, as an unaccompanied asylum seeker.

His father was killed in the war, and his mother remained at home in Kosovo.

He was placed with a foster family in south London, and said the stability of living with foster parents helped him integrate into his new life in England.

He said: "It was good for me, because at first I didn't speak English and it was difficult to understand things, but with help from my foster family I was able to communicate and my English improved.

"I felt like I was being treated with respect, I felt comfortable with them. They tried to help me with my language and were there for me when I needed them.

"It was very important for me to get that kind of support."

Now 19, Mr Tahiri works for Lambeth Heath Council as a peer inspector, assessing facilities for young people.

He said: "I wanted to help young people, as a young person myself, I wanted to help give them a voice.

"Lots of kids see being in foster care as being a negative thing, but I don't agree at all with that. If you have ambition and drive you can do whatever you want."