Help vulnerable children who have crossed the English Channel by becoming a foster carer

Could you open your door to offer a safe foster home to a vulnerable asylum-seeking child like this Syrian girl – find out how

Many people will have read that as many as 100,000 migrant crossings have been made across the English Channel since 2018 – but not so many will be aware that hundreds of children are now disappearing from the unsupported accommodation they have been placed in.

Those with a caring nature can’t help but be moved by the desperate conditions that refugees are trying to escape from by heading to Britain. Shockingly, hundreds of these children are also becoming vulnerable to exploitation after reaching UK shores.

A high court ruling in August stated that where possible, unaccompanied children who are seeking asylum should be placed in foster care – which is why there is an urgent need for more carers to come forward.

A wide range of foster carers from all backgrounds are urgently needed to offer homes to asylum-seeking children and keep them safe from exploitation

While it helps if youngsters can be placed with families who understand their heritage or share community roots, at this time of crisis it is more important to give migrant children a safe and supportive home to live in.

Team Fostering Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Hayes says the children will have come from countries affected by war, unrest and terrorism. They may not speak English well or have documentation to show their roots.

She adds: “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.

A lack of foster families means hundreds of children are going missing from unsupported accommodation – help now

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.”

Can you open your door to provide a safe home?

Team Fostering is a ‘Small but Mighty’ agency which has been helping young people and foster carers for 21 years. The tight-knit team means you get to know them, and they get to know you. They offer extensive support, training and development, a comprehensive activities programme, and holidays with other foster families, so you never feel alone.

Foster carer Mohammed explains: “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

The migrant crisis isn’t going away soon and by starting your fostering journey now, you can make a real difference to the lives of youngsters who urgently need it.

If you are able to offer a safe and culturally supportive home to a vulnerable child so they can start a brighter new life, get in touch with Team Fostering on 0800 292 2003 or via www.teamfostering.co.uk.