Suzanne's story
Suzanne is a single mother who has fostered teenagers for years and urges anyone thinking about fostering a young person to enquire as it is an extremely rewarding experience.
"I suppose you could say I started fostering after experiencing the empty nest syndrome. My older children had left and there was now room available for a teenager," she said.
"I feel strongly that it is every child's right to have a safe haven - and if you can supply that, then it's a great thing. I know there are teenagers out there who have had a rough trot and there is no quick fix," she said.
"So it's great to foster a teenager, see them grow and make a positive impact on their lives and their future. You have to be non-judgemental as you don't know what they have been through in their life and what their needs are, so being understanding is crucial.
"I had a loving, nurturing family with support and education. I appreciate that is fundamental. If you can give a small measure of that back to someone, such as a vulnerable young person, then it's all worthwhile. I know I can't change the world, but at least I can make a difference to a young person's life in a small way," she said.
"I live by the premise: what goes around, comes around."
Suzanne lives with her teenage son, Nicholas, as well as fostering young people, and said she had great support from Nicholas.
"I couldn't do it without Nicholas," she said.