Most children are lucky enough to be able to take their parents and their home comforts for granted.

But that doesn't apply to the hundreds of youngsters in Sussex who are in care because their parents are dead, divorced or have walked away.

Some of them are in homes but increasingly councils are keen for as many as possible to be fostered.

Fostering Fortnight starts today and will show the benefits of this form of care for children.

It will also demonstrate how fostering can bring a great deal of comfort to those who undertake the caring.

Often the reasons for children becoming split from their families are tragic. The youngsters then have to face the prospect of being placed with strangers.

No wonder the first few days can be difficult and that every effort is made to see that this crucial period, for both child and carer, goes well.

People will be able to find out more about fostering at an information evening in Hove on July 10.

There is a desperate need for more foster parents to come forward and offer their help.

They will never be exactly like natural parents but in many cases they are appreciated more by the youngsters than their blood relatives.