Foster with North East is highlighting the urgent need for foster carers for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), also known as separated children. Offering a safe and stable home for these vulnerable young people helps steer them through a journey towards stability and belonging. We reflect on the story of foster carers Melanie and Martin who have looked after four separated young people from different countries.

Hear more about Mel and Martin’s fostering journey here: 

Talking to us about their journey, Mel said: “Our fostering journey began on my 39th birthday, it was kind of like one of the most awesome birthday gifts, to know that we would be approved to invite young people into our home to feel safe for however long that is, whether it's a week or longer. We've even had one young person for over four years.”

Foster carers can help separated children navigate a new culture, language, and community, providing them with support and confidence to integrate into our communities. However, there are times where carers face cultural differences that require sensitivity and understanding. Building trust with children from diverse backgrounds is crucial.

Martin recalls how he wanted to share and appreciate the blend of cultures, talking about caring for a young man from Afghanistan he states: “I wanted them to experience something of what it means to be living here and some of the things that we have here. I remember taking them to the Durham County Cricket Club, and we watched a T20 game.

 “But we also went on holiday to Northern Ireland that summer and whilst we were in Northern Ireland, we took him the T20 games where Afghanistan was playing against Ireland. I think for him it just meant so much.”

Martin reflects on the impact of fostering separated children over the years has had on him and Melanie, saying “We're very safe in the world that we've created for ourselves. So, to be able to step outside of that and provide something for somebody else, you know what? Why wouldn't you do it? Because it really leaves a mark on you, right?”

Sharing your home to shape the lives of young people who have experienced trauma, conflict and are away from their own family can be an immensely rewarding thing to do.

“We feel that teenagers deserve a home and a family as much as the littlest children, it's important that we advocate for teenagers because they're wonderful. Yes, they're really challenging and trying and sometimes you feel like you try really hard, but it's actually a privilege to be able to advocate for young people.” says Melanie.

By offering safety, support, and understanding, foster families can play a pivotal role in helping these children heal and thrive in their new environments. It requires patience, and a willingness to learn, but the impact is immeasurable.

Martin reflects, “It's changed me in terms of my world views. You know, I've learned more about Afghanistan and Eritrea than I ever would have ever done. And I know more about food and culture and what it means to be a Muslim and what it means to be an Orthodox Christian and so much more.”

Ofsted data from 2023 indicates that there are over 6000 in care but just over 1,500 approved foster carers are available, a third less than the year before. Foster with North East aims to recruit more prospective carers from a range of different backgrounds and circumstances. Foster with North East hub works alongside the fostering teams from all 12 local councils in the North East to support prospective foster carers all the way from enquiry to approval.

To find out more how you can welcome unaccompanied asylum-seeking children into your community, enquire about fostering today at www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk