|
Foster homes in
Merseyside urgently sought for sanctuary seeking children and young people
A leading foster care provider is
looking for foster homes across Merseyside for young unaccompanied sanctuary
seekers from war ravaged countries such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Under the Children Act 1989, it is the legal responsibility of local
authorities to care for under 18's who arrive in the country from abroad
seeking sanctuary. However, with local authorities reportedly struggling to
find places for these unaccompanied children, Foster Care Associates (FCA)
are urging people with a spare room to contact them directly.
Lynn Webb, chief operating officer for FCA, said:- "At FCA we have a
strong heritage of working with sanctuary seeking children from many
countries and religious backgrounds. These children and young people are
often extremely traumatised after a dangerous and long journey. As a society
we have a legal, and more importantly moral, obligation to care for them and
they should not be viewed as just a statistic. With more than 21 years
of experience working in partnership with local authorities we believe that
fostering is a positive alternative to a residential unit or supported
accommodation while the child or young person is seeking refugee status.
Fostering will also give them the best possible opportunity to live and be
part of a new community in the UK. We urgently require specialist
foster carers who can provide the security and stability that these children
and young people need, whilst helping them to adjust to their lives in a new
country."
According to FCA many of these young people particularly benefit when they
are placed in the foster home of a carer of the same language, religion and
culture, and therefore welcome enquiries from a broad cultural mix.
Lynn continues:- "As a specialist foster carer you'll need to support
the young person in developing their English language skills, understanding
local customs and attending appointments with solicitors, the UK Border
Agency and other immigration agencies. FCA will provide all the
support and training needed in a highly structured and tailored package for
both the carer and the young person in care; all underpinned by our Team
Parenting model of support."
Foster carers have been looking after sanctuary seeking children and young
people with FCA for 7 years. Offering advice to carers considering doing
the same they said:- "Give the young person time and space to adjust,
but encourage them to be motivated, study hard and take the opportunities
open to them in the UK in order to make good life for themselves."
Foster carers with FCA receive frequent visits and contact from a dedicated
and qualified social worker. Support is also provided through an education
officer, support workers and therapist to help carers meet the needs of
child or young person. Ongoing training, a financial allowance, access to
carer support groups and organised family activities are all contributing
factors as to why FCA placements are 22% more stable than the national
average.
For more information on becoming a foster carer with FCA call:- 0800 022 4012
and speak to the FCA Recruitment Team, or enquire
online. |
