Fostering unaccompanied or separated children (sometimes referred to as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children) means providing care for young people who arrive in the UK without their parents or guardians, often after fleeing war, persecution, or danger in their home countries.
Who they are
• These children and young people have travelled alone, sometimes for months, across dangerous routes.
• They may come from countries affected by conflict, poverty or political instability.
• They are often teenagers, though sometimes they are younger.
Why they need foster care
• They have no family in the UK to look after them.
• They may have experienced trauma, loss, and danger on their journey or in the country they have arrived from.
• They need safety, stability and guidance in a new culture and language.
How can foster carers help
Foster carers have a key role in helping unaccompanied and separated children feel safe and secure, as well as recognising some of the challenges they will face and supporting them to overcome these. This can include helping them to access appropriate educational provision, health services and celebrating their cultural heritage and identity.
