When Ana Carneiro was placed with her first foster child at the start of the year, she wasn’t prepared. But five months later she knows she made the right choice.

The mum of two young girls, who fosters for Ealing Council, says it is hard work but rewarding and she would like to see others step up to the plate.

Ana, who lives in Hammersmith & Fulham borough with her husband Paulo and family, was speaking ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, which aims to raise its awareness and recruit more potential carers.

Foster Care Fortnight runs from June 1-14.

Ms Carneiro said: “We were approved in December and started in January. I was told I would probably have to wait a few months then all of a sudden got a call that a four-day-old baby was coming that day.

“I rushed out to buy everything, I was not ready but I guess you never are, it’s always a surprise.”

Subsequent delays meant the little girl did not arrive until she was three-weeks-old, but Ana is enjoying helping give the child a good start to life.

She said: “These are children that are at risk and in some way they will have problems so its very rewarding when you can see progress in the children. It is hard work but it is so rewarding.”

She also deals with how her own children, aged six and three, react with the baby.

She said: “My daughters are still young so it’s quite a challenge. My oldest understands she’s not her sister and that we are trying to help the baby.

“They are both very good with her and very protective. You see them developing a caring side and it’s very good.

“It will upset them when the baby leaves but we will prepare them for that when it happens.”

Support and preparation was very important to the family when they made the decision to foster. They attended several courses and have their own social workers to help them when needed.

“I found the support amazing, the courses are very valuable and social workers very dedicated,” Ms Carneiro said. “They’re always there for you even if you contact them at night or weekends. They’re amazing, they understand it’s hard so they will always be there to help you.”

Ana expects the baby to remain with her for another two or three months.

Anyone interested in fostering with Ealing Council can call freephone 0800 731 6550 or email fosteradopt@ealing.gov.uk.

More information is also available from The National Fostering Agency on www.nfa.co.uk or by calling 0845 200 4040.