With the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe, Bath & North East Somerset Council has approached central government and expressed willingness to welcome and support Syrian refugees in the area.
It is thought that some of these refugees may be unaccompanied minors, who may need to be fostered locally.
The Council is now working with Home for Good, a national charity that encourages and supports the process of adoption and fostering across the UK by families from church communities.
Home for Good has now set up a local movement in the Bath area, under the auspices of the Genesis Trust.
The charity and the Council directly have received a number of offers from people across the Bath and North East Somerset area who have expressed an interest in housing Syrian refugee children.
In response to this Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Fostering and Adoption Team and Home for Good will be holding an information evening for people who would like to find out more about fostering.
It will take place on Tuesday 10th November at 7.30pm at Southdown Methodist Centre, The Hollow, Bath, BA2 1NJ.
The evening will include an update from Bath & North East Somerset Council on the current refugee situation in this area, an explanation of the procedure for applying to become a foster carer and of the ongoing support that would be available either from the Fostering and Adoption Team or Home for Good.
Councillor Michael Evans (Conservative, Midsomer Norton), Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “It must be stressed that, unlike the evacuation of children from cities during World War II, those willing to provide a home to unaccompanied Syrian refugee children will need to become approved foster carers and any placement would have to be matched to the specific needs of the child.
“It is critically important that we get this right for each child given the trauma that they will have experienced. Full safeguarding procedures will be followed.”
For more information about fostering and the approval process visit: http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/children-young-people-and-families/adoption-and-fostering
For more information about Home for Good email: [email protected] or telephone 01225 421712
