Fostering

We are seeking foster carers who can care for children and young people, separated from their families, either in their own country or during transit to the UK.

These children and young people have travelled long distances to the UK. They will need time to be able to build trust with those around them. Carers who meet their needs and support them to reach their aspirations. We will work with you and provide training.

Unaccompanied children seek asylum due to:

• war, conflict or civil unrest
• forced recruitment into military service
• escape from extreme poverty and deprivation
• persecution, because of religious beliefs, sexuality or ethnicity
• at risk of being trafficked, beaten up or tortured

What are the differences between fostering young people from the UK and fostering UASC?

Unaccompanied children and young people are not leaving their family because of abuse or neglect. They are forced to leave behind family and friends because of conflict or persecution. They may have had a good relationship and a loving bond with their family and feel anxious about their future.

In some cases, the young people will speak little or no English. There are elements of life in the UK that they have not heard of. Everything will be different for them; for example - food, weather, cultural etiquette and language.

Where have the children and young people travelled from?

• Sudan
• Afghanistan
• Eritrea
• Iran
• Syria

How old are the children and young people who need support?

The children and young people who come to the UK to seek asylum are between 15 and 17 years old but some are younger. Most are boys.

Some of the young people who come to the UK require an age assessment. This occurs when the Home Office are disputing age. We receive a photograph of the young person prior to arrival. Ourselves and the UASC team then assess whether we need to do an age assessment in a shorter time frame. A complete assessment occurs around 1 month after a child is in our care. It allows them to settle in, for carers and those around them to get to know the young people.

What kind of support do they need?

Foster carers will provide a home where the young person feels safe and supported. An interest in the young person’s culture is essential, to make them feel supported in a new country. Young people are eager to access education, attend activities and be part of the fostering family.

We will help foster carers with the legal procedures regarding the child’s immigration status. Supporting you through the process of applying for permission for them to stay in the UK.

Interested?

Fostering unaccompanied children is a specialist area that comes with its challenges but is rewarding.

If you think you have what it takes to foster an unaccompanied child or young person, we'd love to hear from you.

More information about independent advice from The Fostering Network about looking after unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK.