Foster Carer Q&A – Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) can suffer from various physical and psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, this is a specialist placement that requires carefully considered planning and matching between a foster carer and a child looked after.

We spoke to Safia, one of our foster carers from Oldham to find out more about her experiences of fostering and working with asylum-seeking children.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself Safia?

I live with my two birth sons, my husband, my two foster boys, my cat and my parrot! Also in my spare time, I love playing cricket. I also work very closely with Olive Branch.

How long have you been fostering?

I started fostering four years ago, and since then I’ve fostered up to fifteen children and young people. I’ve fostered for various lengths of time, from one night to three years. The two teenage lads I’m currently fostering first came to me two years ago, and they’ll be moving on this year. One of them is 17 so will be going into semi-independence. A lot of the children I foster are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), so many are from war-torn countries.

What made you become a foster carer?

I first considered it when my boys were young, around the time when the war in Syria started. My brother was fostering at the time and encouraged me to consider it. I waited until my birth children were a bit older, and then I did some more research. I had two spare bedrooms, and I applied to become a foster carer.

How many children do you currently foster?

I am currently caring for two teenage boys.

Can you tell us about some of the unique skills you need to become a foster carer?

You need to be a very good listener and have a lot of patience. You also need to be able to adapt to change. Before I fostered, I had my own household rules, but as each placement came through, I realised I’d need to adjust. If you’re not willing to adapt then the placement will likely break down. You should be open and look at the foster child’s needs. It’s also important to be willing to work with professionals.

What does your typical day look like?

The two lads I foster are now in a routine and have settled. In the beginning, it was very different. The boys get themselves up and go to college. I do the shopping, cooking and cleaning. I have a calendar on the fridge for the foster boys’ appointments. As they’re learning to be semi-independent, I encourage them to check when their own appointments are, but I also keep an eye on it and attend with them. I drop my 13- and 15-year-old birth children off at school. The two foster lads usually go to the gym after college, which they love, and then we have a meal together in the evening.

What are some challenges you may face as a new foster carer?

I was originally adamant about fostering similar ages to my boys, but that didn’t go too well because it was negatively affecting my birth son, so I moved on to taking in older, UASC boys. In some ways, taking on UASC can be very challenging. As many are from war-torn countries, their emotional needs can be greater. For instance, you have to understand they might not sleep at night, or they might swear at you. 90% have no one at all so you are their family you have to take that role on board. 95% don’t speak English at all, so there are language and cultural barriers to overcome. It’s your role to welcome any child with open arms.

What has been your favourite memory as a foster carer?

There are lots of achievements. One of the lads came at age 14 and couldn’t speak a word of English. We hit so many targets and milestones with him, it’s been such an achievement. These always stick out to me, and I feel proud. Last year, he did his GCSEs and passed his maths. This was a massive achievement, especially as I really do push for education in this house. He passed and it was amazing. Out of the whole school, he was also awarded a resilience award. We went to cheer him on at an awards event, where he received a big certificate and a trophy. He’s also a cricketer, like me, and he won the player of the year award in the under-15 team

What has your time been like with Olive Branch Fostering?

It’s the only agency I’ve ever worked with. My brother and sister are with other agencies, and they all work differently. I do feel like Olive Branch is part of the family. I know I can ring them anytime. I’ve had a few social worker changes, but it’s important to have a very good relationship with the social worker because sometimes it can be difficult. It’s important to me that they understand me, so we can work as a team. Olive Branch is approachable and I’m happy with them.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering fostering?

I’m part of the training team now, so I’ll be part of the preparation process for foster carers. I say to people you should be a foster carer and tell them what it involves. If you have a spare bedroom and a bit of time, open your door and help make memories.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’ve always loved playing cricket, but I only recently took up the hobby again 3 or 4 years ago. My local club asked if I knew any ladies who would be interested in playing cricket, and it all started from there, I decided I was going to start a local cricket club specifically for Muslim women within the community.

Tell us more about your involvement in cricket.

At first, it was me with a couple of friends. We used to meet up in the park, but then Werneth Cricket Club said we could use their facilities and enter some festivals. Last year, we finally had an official team, we got some funding and got in the league. This year, it’s even bigger and we might be able to enter two teams this year. Last year, 14 signed up; this year, it’s looking to be about 18. I’ve been trying to fundraise as we only have basic equipment and need to fund things like kits, which can be expensive. It’s great that my birth and foster children also love cricket, and I hope this inspires them! I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, but I was even playing cricket when I was having chemo!