LETTER : Caring carers

John Gilbert's "Children for sale" (25 August) was a stark eye- opener on the reality for vulnerable children on our streets. However, I found his comments on "under-paid, under-trained bullies often to be found in children's homes" unrepresentative. I have worked in many children's homes in different counties and found deeply caring, responsible staff who go well beyond the call of duty in supporting vulnerable youngsters. Pay levels and training had no bearing on their professionalism. Isolated cases of abuse do not reflect a picture of widespread abuse by staff.

Ralph E Bell

Oxford