SIR – Thank you, Councillor Lynne Smith, your letter (T&A, June 1) has reinforced what I was saying about red tape.

You say the word “mould” is desperately inappropriate? How so?

Whether we care to admit it or not, or are conscious of it, most parents will try to raise their children with good values and teach them how to be a responsible adult. This is “moulding”. I believe more people would foster, but statements like yours – being told this is inappropriate – put them off. All this political correctness makes potential fosterers worry about pursuing fostering further. Figures speak for themselves, Ms Smith, and you will find most people are always going to prefer younger children so that they can grow with an existing family rather than an older child, who is almost grown up. It’s sad that, through no fault of their own, they are left behind in care.

Everyone knows that some teenagers can be difficult, and this is why people don’t pursue fostering older children.

Maybe if someone arranged open days where the children met would-be fosterers informally to see if they would make good matches, that would be in the best interests of the child.

Miss Angela Anderson, Harehills Avenue, Leeds