Foster carers urgently needed in Sheffield to keep asylum-seeking children safe – apply now

More than 100,000 migrant crossings have been made across the English Channel since 2018 and amongst those are many vulnerable children trying to escape from desperate conditions by heading to Britain.

It has recently come to light that thousands of unaccompanied children have had to be placed in hotels, or similar unsupported accommodation, because of a lack of foster carers to provide homes for them.

The young people who are helped by Team Fostering come from a broad range of backgrounds – which is why the organisation is seeking to urgently find a wide and diverse selection of foster carers to help look after them.

While it is helpful for youngsters to be placed with families who share their heritage or community roots, at a time of crisis it is more important to make sure that they are given save and supportive homes to live in.

How you can help

Children who have arrived in the UK without an adult to look after them have often escaped from countries at war or under attack from terrorism or unrest. They may speak little English and have no documentation to show where they have come from.

Team Fostering Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Hayes says: “The lack of available fostering families has meant that high numbers of children arriving into the country, seeking a place of refuge and safety, have had to be placed in hotels and similar accommodation. Not only is this entirely unsuitable to meet the needs of vulnerable and traumatised children but it significantly increases their vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.

“We know that since July 2021, over 4,500 children have been placed in these arrangements of which 440 have gone missing and as of July 2023, 154 still remain unaccounted for (. This is a horrific and unacceptable outcome for any child.

“All children deserve a home that is safe, loving and secure. I would urgently encourage any person who has the room and motivation to offer this to a child to please get in touch with us as soon as you can.”

A high court ruling in August has dictated that where possible, unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK should be placed in foster care. So there is an urgent need for more carers to lend their support and give migrant children a home.

Team Fostering is looking to Sheffield and the north of England to show its support and open its doors, in order to stop children from being exploited.

Mohammed’s experience

Foster carer Mohammed tells his story: “Two boys came to us for an introduction and to stay for a short time and six years later, they’re adults and still here and don’t want to leave!

“My wife and I felt they looked so sad and vulnerable, we just had to help. We’ve worked hard with the boys, supported them to get their first jobs and encouraged them to lead independent lives. I would say that if you are able to help these children, why not help? You just need to be open to learning about their way of life and the cultural differences between your life and theirs.”

Find out more and apply now

Can you provide a caring, culturally supportive home to a vulnerable child who needs help to stay safe from harm? If so, then Team Fostering wants to hear from you!

The situation may only continue to get worse if action isn’t taken, so make a difference by starting your fostering journey now.

To find out more or apply, contact Team Fostering now on 0800 292 2003 or via www.teamfostering.co.uk