Caring for young people in need
From Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson on 16 September 2008
Solihull Council is looking for foster carers who can give asylum-seeking children the support and care they need.
Across the borough there are a number of children who have moved to the UK alone, with no parents or carers to look after them.
The Council wants to recruit carers of any age, background, individuals and couples, who can respond to the needs of these children in terms of religion, culture and emotional support.
Many of the youngsters can only speak a few words of English but are motivated to get into education and training. They need carers who have the skills and patience to help them adjust to life in the UK and can help prepare them for independent living.
The Council will provide 24-hour support as well as financial assistance and carers will have access to interpreting services and other agencies to help support them.
There is ongoing training available and also the opportunity to gain an NVQ level 3 in ‘Caring for Children and Young People’.
Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson said: “We are fortunate to have people in our borough who open their homes and lives to young people in need. Asylum-seeking children come into the UK alone, unsettled and in need of care and support. We need carers who can respond to the needs of these youngsters and can guide them into living independently.”
Many foster carers find looking after these young people to be a very rewarding experience that provides a real opportunity to develop an understanding of different cultures.
One of the borough’s foster carers, Chris Enfield said:
"I have been fostering unaccompanied asylum seeking children for the past four years and I find it rewarding and interesting. It has enabled me to broaden my horizons and learn about other cultures, religions and languages. The young people I have cared for have been very keen to get into education and training and are doing well, it’s wonderful to see them thrive. Fostering has enabled these youngsters to move on and better their lives”
If anybody feels they have what it takes to care for young children in need, please call 0800 073 0769, email ssplace@solihull.gov.uk or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/fostering for further information.
For media enquiries only, Gemma Shryane 0121 704 6136
Email: gshryane@solihull.gov.uk