A Plymouth scheme to protect young children at risk of going into care does work, according to a local foster carer.

The twelve week assessment scheme involves parents and children under three staying with foster carers who can help them with their parenting

At the end of the three months, a decision can be made on whether the children need to be taken into care.

The city council is funding the project, which it hopes will ultimately make the system more efficient.

Plymouth foster carer Mike Turrell has told Radio Plymouth that he has helped a young Mum to stay with her daughter after she came to him having never lived alone or supported herself. The Mum and child are now living independently together.

To find out more about fostering visit plymouth.gov.uk/fostering