The early days of a placement can be overwhelming for the young person. English may not be their first language, familiar foods may be unavailable, and household routines may feel confusing or intimidating.
Foster carers help by offering clear communication, simple explanations and consistency. Predictable routines help the young person understand what to expect. Gentle reassurance helps them settle and begin to build trust.
Cultural sensitivity is essential. Feeling safe is the absolute priority.
Taking time to get to know the young person shows them that they matter. Learning a few words or phrases in their first language helps build rapport. Using an interpreter for important conversations ensures accuracy and inclusion.
Understanding the child’s background, culture and traditions can strengthen your relationship. Food is often an important part of identity, so finding local shops that sell familiar ingredients can make a huge difference.
Many young people also have religious or cultural practices that require support. Knowing what local faith groups or community organisations exist can help them feel connected.
As part of your role, you may work closely with immigration services, solicitors and social workers. The asylum process can be complicated and lengthy, and your support will help the young person feel less alone during periods of uncertainty.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children often carry significant emotional needs linked to trauma, grief and separation. Coupled with uncertainty about their future, this can result in fluctuating behaviour as they try to navigate and cope with their emotions and experiences prior to arriving at the foster home.
Foster carers are not expected to be therapists, but certain therapeutic skills are essential for supporting the child. Remaining calm, consistent and non-judgemental helps the young person feel secure enough to express their feelings. Allowing them space to process experiences in their own time helps with recovery.
Wherever possible every effort should be made to help the child or young person maintain a connection with any loved ones who remain in their country of origin. This may include liaising with embassies or international services.
Caring for an unaccompanied asylum seeking child requires strong advocacy. Carers often attend meetings with social workers, immigration representatives, solicitors and education teams. Keeping the child’s rights front and centre is a crucial part of the role.
Education can be particularly challenging when the young person has little or no English. Foster carers work with schools and the local authority to ensure appropriate support is in place.
By offering stability, understanding and consistent care, you provide a young person – who may have lost everything – with a renewed sense of belonging and hope.
If you live in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Wolverhampton, Dudley or Sandwell, you could offer safety, stability and a fresh start to a young person who has arrived alone in the UK.
New Chapters will guide you through every step, from first enquiry to training and approval. You will receive ongoing support, supervision and specialist guidance throughout your fostering journey.
Get in touch today to learn how you can foster an unaccompanied asylum seeking child. Your home could be the first safe place they have known in years.
