Sadly, they have often been forced to leave their families and homes for a variety of reasons, such as a consequence of wars, natural disasters, famine, disease or persecution. The majority of these young people are boys aged over 14. They need a safe and understanding environment to help them heal from the trauma they have experienced. Often, they speak little to no English so will need help from foster carers to support them to adjust to a new culture and with their education.

Part of the foster carers role is also to help these young people to maintain their identity, by promoting religion, language, culture and heritage of the young person and help them to  plan for their future.

It's been great fun supporting the young woman from Africa who lives with me. We initially had a lot of laughs working out which foods she liked and how to communicate with one another, but if you're open, empathetic and patient this type of fostering is incredibly rewarding. I've greatly enjoyed helping her settle and making sure she feels safe and secure, but I've also loved learning about her country and culture in a way I would never have been able to without fostering.

 

Francie

Francie's story

Meet Francie, a remarkable foster carer for an unaccompanied asylum-seeking young woman. Hear all about her heart-warming journey, how Google translate has helped the pair bond and what advice she would offers others thinking of fostering.

We don't speak Pashtu, we don't speak Congolese, what is universal is, is the language of care and love is universal.  It doesn't matter if you don't speak those languages, the fact that you have opened up your home to that child, and you want them to feel welcome and safe, that transcends words, that transcends language. 

Mel

Mel and Martin's story 

Mel and Martin share their fostering stories, reflecting on all the unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people they have cared for. The fantastic couple talk about the challenges, beautiful moments and impact the young people have had on their lives.