In response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Fostering Network and CoramBAAF are receiving enquiries asking for advice about the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme. Here, we outline our key principles.
What is Homes for Ukraine?
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the UK Government has launched Homes for Ukraine, a scheme for families in the UK to welcome Ukrainian families into their homes. The scheme, which opened on 18 March 2022, is open to individuals or households fleeing from Ukraine who have named people in the UK willing to 'sponsor' them. From 15 July 2022, this includes children under the age of 18 who are not travelling with or joining a parent or legal guardian in the UK.
The key principles for The Fostering Network and CoramBAAF are as follows:
- The needs of any child or young person already living in a foster family, kinship family or adoptive family home are paramount; their welfare or experience should not be overlooked and should be taken in to account in any decisions that are made.
- Any family thinking about offering to become a host family should speak directly with their fostering or adoption service in the first instance, and the local authority/authorities for any children already living in their care.
- Fostering regulations, guidance and standards must be followed for all fostering households currently caring for a child or young person, including the necessary checks and references for adults.
- The families from Ukraine are likely to have experienced trauma and displacement and hosts are expected to provide accommodation for at least six months for adults, and for up to three years for unaccompanied young people aged under 18. This will require a long term level of support.
- The UK is experiencing an ongoing shortage of foster carers to care for both children from the UK and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children from other parts of the world. There are lots of children who are waiting for foster homes right now if foster carers have capacity to welcome additional children. Find out more about fostering unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK.
Please note: anyone wanting to sponsor a child from Ukraine who is not travelling with or joining a parent or legal guardian in the UK should personally know the child's parents or legal guardian, and should have known them before the conflict started on 24 February 2022, unless there are exceptional circumstances. The sponsors must also agree to sponsor the child for the whole three years of their permission to stay in the UK or until they turn 18. If a foster carer has capacity to look after additional children, the UK Government is 'encouraging them to approach their council about what support they can provide including to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children already in the country and those who continue to arrive.' Find out more about fostering unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK.
There are many other ways to support Ukrainian families, for example: supporting a local family who is hosting with children’s school applications, attending support groups, taking people to English language classes, etc.
Where can I find out more?
- Read the UK Government's frequently asked questions about the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
- Read the UK Government's advice to foster carers about the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
- Read the UK Government's welcome guide for Ukrainian children under 18.
For more information on how else you can help, please see these organisations:
- The Sanctuary Foundation | Supporting New Arrivals from Ukraine
- Upbeat Communities
- Refugee Education UK
- Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain
- Barnardo's Ukraine Support Helpline
- Disasters Emergency Committee
Last updated: 13/09/2022
