Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children fostering

Foster carers give unaccompanied asylum-seeking children a safe, welcoming place to live while their individual case to remain in the UK is considered by the Home Office.

The Foster Carer will be asked to accompany them to immigration meetings and arrange legal support. They will also need to help the young person access education, make links with local cultural and faith groups and support them in day-to-day living. This includes helping them to learn English and considering any emotional wellbeing needs they may have.

Children under 18 are supported by the Child Asylum Team, which is a dedicated team of specialist Social Workers, as well as a specialist worker in WSCC’s Voice and Participation Service. As children approach 18, they are allocated dedicated Personal Assistants to help them as they transition into adulthood and provide ongoing support.

We offer a tailored training package to all carers regarding the needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and dedicated support from an advanced practitioner, as well as your own Supervising Social Worker or Support Worker.

We work in partnership with voluntary and community-based agencies and can offer advice and guidance and a regular monthly support group where carers can share experiences, learn from one another and have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers.