“No one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.”
— Warsan Shire, poet and activist
Every child deserves a safe home, a warm bed, and someone to look out for them. But for thousands of children arriving in the UK alone, this basic security has been lost. In the year ending March 2024, 3,285 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) arrived here in search of safety. Some have fled war and persecution. Others have been sent ahead by desperate families, hoping to secure them a future. Many have endured long and dangerous journeys, only to find themselves in an unfamiliar country, unable to speak the language and unsure of who they can trust.
For these children, foster carers provide more than just a roof over their heads. They offer kindness, stability, and the first step toward rebuilding a life. If you are considering fostering a UASC or preparing to welcome one into your home, it’s important to understand their experiences and how you can best support them.
Why Do Children Arrive in the UK Alone?
Each unaccompanied child has a unique story, but there are common reasons why they flee their home countries. Many have escaped conflict, persecution, forced labour, or trafficking. Others are orphans, their parents lost to war or natural disaster. Some have been separated from their families along the journey, left to navigate an uncertain world alone.
The war in Gaza has orphaned 17,000 children—a heartbreaking reality that highlights just how many young lives have been uprooted by conflict. Our MD, Chido Poe, recently called for urgent action to support the children orphaned by the war in Gaza, warning that they face heightened risks of exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. Banya has been at the forefront of providing therapeutic interventions and support to children in care, working to minimise the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. The agency is now urging members of the public to take action by writing to their MPs. We’ve drafted a template Letter to MP which you can download, fill in and email to your local MP. Find your local MP here, you can also see the written letter here.
“Now is the time for compassion. We are encouraging people to get involved—whether by using their voices to call for government action to help the children of Palestine or helping in the UK by opening their homes to the 100,000 children in care in this country. Children in care are more likely to end up homeless, in prison or having mental health problems. We work tirelessly to minimise the negative impact of being in care and have seen first-hand how a loving home can change a child’s life.”
Beyond Gaza, more children than ever before are being displaced worldwide. According to UNICEF, over 47 million children globally have been forcibly displaced due to war, violence, and instability.
When they do arrive here, they are not only seeking safety but also a sense of belonging. That’s where foster carers come in.
Fostering a UASC: What to Expect
Fostering any child comes with challenges, but UASC may need extra patience and understanding. They have often endured immense trauma, not just from the circumstances that forced them to leave home but also from their perilous journey. Some will have spent weeks or months in refugee camps or hidden in overcrowded trucks or boats. By the time they reach the UK, they may be exhausted, fearful, and unsure of what comes next.
Unlike many children in care, UASC usually arrive with little or no information about their background. Their official documents may have been lost, destroyed, or never existed in the first place. Some children don’t even know their exact age. The uncertainty surrounding their asylum claim can also add to their anxiety—will they be allowed to stay, or will they be sent back to a place of danger?
Yet, despite all of this, they are still just children. Children who need support, encouragement, and reassurance that they are safe now.
Helping UASCs Adjust
One of the biggest challenges at first may be language. Some children may speak English well, but others may arrive with little or no understanding of it. This can make even the simplest interactions—explaining mealtimes, asking about their needs—difficult at first. But don’t worry, communication isn’t just about words. Gestures, pictures, and even translation apps can be incredibly helpful. And over time, as they settle into their new environment, their confidence in speaking English will grow.
Cultural differences can also take time to navigate. A child might be used to different foods, family customs, or ways of showing respect. Something as simple as having a pet in the home or wearing shoes indoors may feel unusual or even unsettling to them. Religion may also play an important role in their identity, and as a foster carer, it’s important to help them continue practising their faith if they wish to.
The key is patience and curiosity—showing an interest in their culture, being open to learning, and gently introducing them to life in the UK without overwhelming them.
The Emotional Journey
Beyond the practicalities, it’s important to remember the emotional toll of everything they’ve been through. Many UASC experience feelings of loss, guilt, or anxiety. They may worry about the family they left behind, unsure if they are safe. They may struggle with trust, finding it difficult to believe that adults will truly look out for them. And they may feel immense pressure to succeed, knowing that their family sacrificed so much to get them here.
As a foster carer, your role is to provide a safe space where they can process these feelings. That might mean simply being there—offering a reassuring presence, listening when they are ready to talk, and respecting the moments when they need space.
Building trust takes time, but the small milestones will remind you of just how much of a difference you’re making.
A Life-Changing Experience—for Both of You
Fostering a UASC isn’t just about helping them adjust to life in the UK—it’s also about what they bring to your home. You’ll learn about different cultures, languages, and ways of seeing the world. You might even find yourself trying new foods, learning new traditions, or picking up a few words in another language.
Most importantly, you’ll be giving a child the chance to feel safe, valued, and hopeful again. And that’s something truly life-changing.
If you think you could provide a home for a UASC, we’d love to hear from you. The journey isn’t always easy, but for the right foster carer, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences there is.
