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Types of fostering

Fostering Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

Give a chance to a child fleeing conflict and war in their own country.

More than ever before, the humanitarian crisis of children escaping conflict, war and violence and seeking asylum in the United Kingdom is present on our newspaper pages and on our TV screens. Unaccompanied children seeking safety and security in Britain are meant to be placed directly into foster care, but for various reasons, many were placed into hotels and other unsupported accommodation and have not been given the care they need, with over 150 young people now unaccounted for. (BBC News, August 2023)

Following a high court ruling, the government must legally ensure that unaccompanied children seeking asylum are placed with foster carers who can give them the support they need to start again in a whole new country, and help them develop the skills, education and more that they need for a brighter future safe from harm.

We desperately need new foster carers to join us at Team Fostering and help turn around the trajectory of these young people’s lives. Giving them the opportunity to learn English, to get an education, even to get their first jobs in the future – it all makes a lasting difference.

About Fostering Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

Sometimes children and young people arrive in the United Kingdom from countries which are affected by war, civil unrest, terrorism or conflict. Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) are in need of foster care which is sensitive to their experiences and cultural upbringing.

Foster carers may be required to support children for whom English is not their first language; who may be undocumented or without any evidence of name, age or birthplace; they may also have been subject to human trafficking or other criminal activity. UAS children are highly vulnerable and may be extremely traumatised by their past experiences.

UAS children may be placed with foster families of the same heritage or community as themselves where known, but this is not always available – it’s important that all foster carers of UAS children can provide a respectful, culturally supportive home where possible. You may need to support the young person with an application for permission to stay in the UK, advocate for them with local authorities and governmental services, or help adapt to a different culture or society than they are used to.

Fostering Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children:

  • Can help a young person to begin a safe, stable and positive life in a new country.
  • Can support undocumented children or young people to gain legal documentation and the right to live, study or work in the United Kingdom.
  • Helps unaccompanied young people to develop links with networks and communities reflective of their heritage or background.

To find out more about Fostering Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children with Team Fostering, leave us your details here, chat to one of our advisors on Live Chat or call us on 0800 292 2003, we’d be happy to answer all of your questions.

Mohammad's story

Mohammad's story

Mohammad and his wife are foster carers in the North East and started fostering with Team Fostering seven years ago. They have particular experience with fostering unaccompanied young people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

Read Mohammad's story

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