Being a foster carer

What's special about fostering young refugees? 

You can change a young person’s life by offering them a home - a place to recover from previous trauma, and to start adapting to life in the UK. 

Most young refugees are in their mid to late teens, so foster carers are essential in helping them transition to adulthood in a new country. 

Young people can show remarkable resilience and adaptability, but they need good support and access to education and opportunities. As a foster carer, you'll be able to help a young person navigate complicated UK systems that may be familiar to you, but are totally new to them. 

By fostering a young refugee, you'll also be playing an important role in making Yorkshire and Humber a welcoming place for newcomers. There's a real shortage of foster carers, and you can help. 

Who can become a foster carer? 

Many people can, if it's something they really want to do. 

You can apply if you meet these requirements: 

• you're over 21 

• you have spare room 

• you have permanent leave to remain or you are a British citizen 

You're also going to need qualities such as patience, compassion, understanding - and a good sense of humour! 

To find out more, take a look at our frequently asked questions 

Providing supported lodgings 

If you're not able to be a foster carer right now, have you considered providing supported lodgings to a young refugee, instead? This option is available in most areas of the region, and it might suit you if you work part-time, or have other commitments that mean you're not able to be a foster carer. 

Supported lodgings providers support young people as they move towards adulthood and full independence. The young person benefits from living in a home with adults to help them develop life skills and adapt to life in the UK. Checks are done to ensure your household is suitable, and that you can provide a safe place for the young person, but overall, the assessment process for supported lodgings is shorter and less detailed than a full foster carer assessment. 

What to do next 

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or a supported lodgings provider, see our How do I become a foster carer? page