Can I Foster a Ukrainian Child?
Do you want to foster a Ukrainian child? Find out details that can help you get started through a formal foster care agency.
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the UK government launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme to help stranded Ukrainians seek accommodation in the UK. The scheme was launched in 2022 and has remained open to households fleeing from the Ukraine-Russia war.
Can I foster a Ukrainian child?
Yes, under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, you can foster a Ukrainian child in the UK. These are children who are below 18 years and have travelled to the UK without their birth parents or guardians.
How to foster a Ukrainian child?
- Under the Home for Ukraine scheme, you can express your interest to host a Ukrainian child. Firstly, you must have:
- A spare bedroom for at least 6 months
- Legal residency in the UK as a citizen or leave to remain in the UK for at least 6 months
- No criminal record.
After your application, the local authority will get your details and match you with a child in your area that needs to be hosted. If you already know the child from Ukraine that you want to host, you can help them apply for a visa under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.
The local authority will then conduct a DBS check once you have been matched with a child. They will also visit your property to check if it meets the required standards.
Homes for Ukraine is not fostering under the UK fostering legislation. This is a UK Government Scheme for councils to find homes for Ukraine children who are not travelling with or joining their parent or legal guardian.
If you wish to apply for this scheme, go to the government website to make an application for the scheme.
How to become a foster carer
Fostering can also be rewarding. If you would like to know more about fostering, please, check an extensive list of the fostering criteria.
