'When you turn 18 everyone disappears' Calls for more support for care leavers in Wales

The number of foster homes needed in Wales is growing every year. There are now 500 children needing placements and many more about to leave the care system.

This National Care Leavers Week, there are calls for more support for those leaving the care system when they turn 18.

Shannon Richards, from Taff's Well, left her foster home four years ago.

Marian Perry and her husband Carl fostered Shannon when she was 15 years old.

Shannon said they were, and still are, her rocks and they picked her up when she was in "the darkest of places".

Shannon has been supported by her foster carer Marian. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales
Shannon said she and Marian still have a great relationship. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Shannon's one of 32 children that Marian's taken in over the last 20 years. She said she finds fostering young people very rewarding.

Shannon has been campaigning for more support for care leavers. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

The UK's largest fostering and adoption charity, TACT, said it has created a new project where it stays in touch with young people over the age of 18.