Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Foster Care

What is UASC fostering?

UASC fostering (Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children fostering) involves caring for young refugees who have arrived in the UK without a parent or guardian. These children come from conflict zones like Syria, Afghanistan, and Eritrea and have left everything behind trying to escape conflict, persecution or exploitation.

UASC fostering is unique because these young people have often experienced unimaginable hardship and trauma. We’ll work with you to provide specialised care and help them recover. This can be by supporting them through medical appointments, arranging counselling, or helping them learn English. You’ll also play a big part in easing their transition into school and guiding them through the asylum process, including attending meetings with solicitors and Home Office interviews.

As a UASC foster care, you’re not just providing safety. You’ll be their rock through an incredibly challenging time, giving them the tools to heal, grow, and face the future with confidence. It’s a chance to change a child’s life forever.

What are the benefits of UASC Foster Care?

Rewarding experience: Being a UASC foster carer is the most rewarding experience as you offer support and help them to build a better future.
Training & development: Whilst becoming a carer, you’ll get training in everything from safeguarding to cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Personal growth: You’ll learn about their traditions, cultures and languages you’d never experienced firsthand.
Lifelong Relationships: You’ll develop a lifelong bond with someone who will always remember the love and kindness you showed them.

Am I eligible to be a carer?

Being a UASC foster carer is more about who you are and your qualities. If you can draw on your life experiences, be open and empathetic, and want to make a positive difference in a young person’s life, you could be the perfect fit.

Here’s what’s needed:

You are at least 21 years old.
You are a UK resident.
You are in good physical and mental health to care for a young person.
Your home is safe, clean, and comfortable, with a spare bedroom for the child.
You are resilient, empathetic, and ready to build meaningful connections.
You are comfortable working with therapists, social workers, teachers, and legal professionals.
You are ready to embrace new parenting techniques.
You ask for help and seek support when needed from our specialist team.

How to become a UASC foster carer?

Speak with Us

The first step is to get in touch! We’ll have a chat to learn more about you, answer your questions, and explain what UASC fostering involves. This is your chance to find out if fostering is the right fit for you.

Home Visit

Next, we’ll arrange a visit to your home. Don’t worry - it’s not about perfection! We’ll check that your home is safe and has enough space for a child, and we’ll talk more about what fostering looks like day-to-day.

Application Form

If you’re ready to move forward, you’ll fill out an application form. This gives us all the important details about you, your family, and your background so we can get the ball rolling.

Checks and References

As fostering is such an important role, we’ll carry out thorough checks, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, and speak with your references. This is to make sure everything is in place to support you and the child you’ll care for.

Fostering Training

Before you welcome a child into your home, you’ll attend our fostering training sessions. These are designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to provide the best care possible.

Panel Interview

The final step is meeting our fostering panel. This is a chance for us to discuss your application and for you to share why you want to foster. If approved, you’ll officially be ready to start your journey as a foster carer!

Could you offer a child the home they need?

Get in touch with us today

Allowance and benefits

When you choose to foster, you’ll receive benefits and allowances designed to cover the costs of care and recognise the incredible work you do. We’re proud to offer a competitive rate that ensures you’re fully supported in providing the best possible care.

Your allowance covers essentials like food, clothing, and household bills to meet the child’s needs, as well as additional expenses for any special requirements the child might have.

Alongside your financial allowance, you’ll have access to regular training and round-the-clock support from our team to help you feel confident and prepared.

If you’d like to learn more about how your allowances and benefits are calculated, we’re always here to talk it through!