County backing new scheme to find foster carers for young refugees

Place to Call Home is a partnership between councils across the East Midlands seeking to recruit 40 foster carers and supported lodgings providers across the region.

The digital launch will take place at 10am on Facebook on Thursday 1 October and feature details of the new regional campaign.

Among those taking part will be foster carer, Pat, and the young Vietnamese girl she’s currently fostering, and there will be an opportunity to take part in a question and answer session.

At the end of March 2019, there was 310 young unaccompanied refugees who were in the care of local authorities in the East Midlands. Foster carers support these young people day-to-day, providing safety, security and a family environment.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children's services with LCC, said: "Lincolnshire is a through-route from many ports on the coast, and if the police become aware of children within our border, we have a duty of care as the local authority.

“We're committed to playing our part to help find kind, caring and generous foster carers to offer these young people a place to call home.

“If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience to foster, please get in touch with the team and find out more about the role and how it could change the lives and futures of young refugees.”

A strong training and support package is in place for foster carers looking after young refugees and includes specific training relating to issues such as language barriers and the asylum process.

The launch event will take place on the project’s Facebook page on Thursday 1 October, www.facebook.com/homeeastmidlands and the video will remain available to view.

For more information about fostering young refugees, and to register your interest in the launch event, visit www.placetocallhome.org.uk or email [email protected].