Foster an Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Child (UASC)
Every year, children arrive in the UK alone, seeking safety and a new beginning.
Make a Life-Changing Difference. Every year, children arrive in the UK alone, seeking safety and a new beginning. These unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) have faced unimaginable challenges. By becoming a foster carer, you can offer them the stability, care, and hope they need to rebuild their lives.
Who Are Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children?
UASC are children under 18 who arrive in the UK without a parent or guardian and apply for asylum. While their application is processed, they are cared for by local authorities—often through foster care.
Why Do They Need Foster Care?
These children may have:
- Fled war, persecution, or violence
- Lost family members or been separated from them
- Survived traumatic journeys
- Faced threats like forced recruitment as child soldiers
They need a safe, nurturing home where they can begin to heal and thrive.
What Makes a Great Foster Carer for UASC?
You don’t need to be an expert—just someone with compassion, patience, and a willingness to learn. As a foster carer, you’ll help a young person:
- Adjust to life in the UK
- Learn English
- Navigate the asylum process
- Rebuild trust and confidence
Fostering is a journey. It takes time to build trust—but the impact you make is lifelong.
Your Role as a Foster Carer
You may support your foster child by:
- Attending Home Office interviews
- Helping them access legal and health services
- Advocating for their needs
- Encouraging education and social integration
What Support Will You Receive?
You won’t be alone. We provide:
- A dedicated supervising social worker
- Access to interpreters and translation tools
- Ongoing training and development
- Peer support from other foster carers
- Resources on asylum, health, and cultural awareness
Ready to Foster?
If you’re ready to open your heart and home, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Fill in our contact form and we’ll be in touch.
Helpful Resources
- Barnardo’s – Children Seeking Asylum: www.barnardos.org.uk
- Refugee Council: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
- Free ESOL English Courses: www.esolcourses.com