Fostering unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Children who arrive in the UK often come from countries that have been war torn, or in conflict zones, and they have often been affected by traumatic experiences. These children have fled their home without the protection of birth parents or wider family. Many unaccompanied and trafficked children, arrive in the UK without documentation. Because of the circumstances, these highly vulnerable unaccompanied or trafficked children often have complex needs in addition to those faced by looked after children in the UK more generally. Such children will be cared for by the local authority due to there being no identifiable adult or guardian to care for them.
In Hounslow, the largest number of unaccompanied children come from Afghanistan and Albania, followed by Eritrea, Algeria, Iran and Iraq. Other young people have also come from India, Sudan, Ethiopia and South Africa, with numbers increasing fast.
Hounslow is a vibrant, cultural borough and as a council, we will provide a safe refuge for vulnerable children fleeing danger in their own countries.
The requirements to foster these young people are not the usual ones. While patience, compassion, and understanding are necessary with unaccompanied children fleeing life-threatening homelands, specialist training is needed, and so is an understanding of the child’s culture. Foster carers will also need to support them through the process of applying for permission to stay in the UK, help them integrate into life, or possibly to prepare for their return if it is safe to do so. Many unaccompanied children seeking asylum will also have emotional, practical, language and cultural needs that their foster carers must also consider.
What support will I receive?
If you foster with Hounslow, you’ll get an allowance of up to £1130 per fortnight plus outstanding support and ongoing training.
Support and training doesn’t stop once your approved. All foster carers receive extensive support and training including:
- Generous Allowance: As a foster carer, you'll receive a fostering allowance of up to £1130 per fortnight subject to a child need, ensuring that you are adequately supported in providing a nurturing environment
- Financial Benefits: We'll even refund your council tax while a child is in your care, lightening your financial load
- One-off payments: Available throughout the year like holiday allowances for example
- Support Around the Clock: We understand that fostering can come with challenges, which is why we provide 24/7 telephone support, such as out of hours fostering duty and the children’s Emergency Duty team
- Dedicated social worker: Always by your side, ready to assist whenever you need them
- Foster carers support groups: Peer support where carers can meet and share experiences, get advice, and network
- Learning, development and training opportunities
- Start up payment: Vital assistance with the purchase of cot beds, bedding, car seats, buggies etc
- Fostering Network Membership: The offer includes 24-hour helpline, discount for foster carers, and much more
- Monthly newsletters: Keep up to date with relevant news, advice and benefits for carers
- Clinical psychotherapist: Professional advice, support and training to stabilse placements
- Health and Wellness: Our foster carers enjoy a Fusion leisure pass, granting them free access to the borough's leisure centres and classes, so you can take time to relax and recharge
- Family Fun: As a token of our appreciation, you'll receive an annual Merlin pass, granting free entry to 30 of the UK's top attractions, including Legoland, Alton Towers, and Thorpe Park. Share unforgettable moments with your family while exploring the best of the UK
- Free Blue light card: Enjoy discounts at hundreds of high street retailers, restaurants, cinemas etc
- Yearly social event: Join us to celebrate the contribution of foster carers
If you think you may have the skills, experience and willingness to look after a young person who has arrived in the UK unaccompanied, we would love to hear from you.
Call 020 8753 -1075 for a friendly chat about fostering, register your interest below or e-mail contact@fosterwithwestlondon.org.uk.
