UASC

Public Health

2024-09-25T09:02:06Z

Public Health

UASC’s are not routinely screened for health conditions when they first arrive in the UK unless they present as unwell. The CIC nurse team will arrange for the young person to have their immunisations once placed in foster care.

ALL carers (not just UASC Carers) are advised to have the following vaccines:

Diphtheria - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diphtheria/

It is advised that 5 doses of diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccines at the appropriate interval should ensure long term protection through adulthood (although additional doses may be indicated for travel or following potential exposure). Anyone who has not completed the 5 doses should discuss with their GP Surgery.

A full course of 5 doses providing long-term protection is normally given at the following ages:

2 months

3 months

4 months

3.4 years

14 years

But if there is any potential exposure to actual diphtheria the GP surgery should be contacted to discuss a further dose.

It is also recommended that carers are vaccinated against the following:

Hepatitis B and carers should have received 2 doses of Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

Other Health Conditions

TB – depending upon which country the young person comes from they are routinely tested for TB. This is arranged by the CIC Nurses. On the rare occasion when a young person arrives and is unwell carers will be advised about how to treat the condition prior to placement. Tuberculosis (TB) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Scabies – this is a very common skin condition which is easily treated by cream obtained from the local pharmacy. Advice is that UASC/EDS carers keep a supply of this. Scabies - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Financial information for foster carers of UASC

2024-09-25T09:12:32Z

Financial Advice for Brighton and Hove Foster Carers caring for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children.

Pocket Money

Foster carers are required to give a young person pocket money each week. The amount they receive will depend upon their age. Here is a guide:

Minimum Amount:

13 years old- £7
14 years old - £8
15 years old - £9
16 years old - £10
17 years old - £10

Mobile Phones

If the young person does not have a phone when they arrive, carers will need to purchase one up the value of £100. This can be second hand. This will be reimbursed by the UASC POD (receipt to be given to child’s social worker). Young people may want to top up with pocket money, bursary money or carers may want to top this up themselves, however, the Clothing Allowance is NOT to be used for this.
Phone Credit - Carers provide £10 per month phone credit. If the young person uses more than this, they can pay for it out of their pocket money or college bursary. Suggest carers get a SIM only (monthly deal). Do not get tied into a contract.

Personal Allowance

There is no set amount for the Personal Allowance.

What carers are expected to pay for should be discussed at the Placement Planning Meeting. Most foster carers will buy items such as toiletries as part of their weekly shop, particularly for new arrivals until they get used to the money in the UK. Carers are not expected to purchase very expensive shampoos and body washes etc. If the young people want these, they can either buy them themselves or make a contribution towards the cost.

For more established young people this will be discussed with the network as part of their independent living skills. An agreed amount will then be given to the young person so they can buy these items themselves.

Haircuts – these can be paid for out of the personal allowance money. Suggested amounts are:

Males – approx. £14 per month
Females – likely to be more – discuss at the Placement Planning Meeting.

Some young people may want their hair braided etc. Carers are not expected to pay for this all themselves but will be required to make a contribution. Again, this is to be discussed with the network. The UASC POD and in some circumstances the young person can contribute to this.

Clothing Allowance

A minimum of £40 per month. Young people to be encouraged to save for higher cost items.

Setting Up Allowance.

The Setting Up Allowance is now paid to the carers direct at the start of a placement. It is the equivalent of one week’s money (care element part of fostering allowance only).

Please see the Kit List below on what to buy for new arrivals.

School Uniform

Foster carers are expected to provide this up to the value of £150 .If more than the UASC POD can contribute. It is acceptable to buy second hand school uniform and to look for reasonably priced items.

School Lunches

Carers are expected to provide the young people with a packed lunch or money for a hot school meal. Base this decision on what the young person prefers as eating is a social event as well as being about food. Don’t worry if they are not choosing a healthy option at school.

Lunches at College/Language Schools

Once the young person is in receipt of a college bursary carers are expected to provide them with a packed lunch. If young people would prefer a hot lunch or would like to eat out with friends, they can pay for this out of their bursary money.

Supporting a Young person to Follow their Religion or Culture

Foster Carers are expected to purchase a prayer mat/Quran. It is recommended that EDS carers have a supply of these.

For those young people who need to travel to London to worship, travel costs to be discussed with SSW/SW at the Placement Planning Meeting.

Travel Costs

If living within the Brighton and Hove area – foster carers to provide the young person with a bus pass.

If living outside the Brighton and Hove area where young people will be travelling by train. The UASC POD will fund a 16/17-year-old rail card which provides reductions on train travel.

Irrespective of where a carers lives the expectation is that carers provide bus/rail tickets of between £15 - £20 per week. Anything more than that to be discussed with the SSW/UASC POD.

Listen Up Card

This gives young people living in Brighton and Hove free use of council run gyms and swimming pools. If a young person wants to attend an alternative gym, they can pay for this themselves out of their pocket money/bursary.

Gym Induction Charge - carers to pay for this and give receipt to SSW who will reimburse it.

For those young people living outside of Brighton and Hove. The UASC POD will pay for a reasonably priced gym membership. Again, gym inductions can be reimbursed.

Social Activities

Foster carers are expected to pay between £10 - £15 per week for organised activities. The UASC POD can make a financial contribution towards annual memberships and expensive equipment.

College Bursary

Young people are eligible for a college bursary if they are aged 16 plus and attending college. The individual colleges are responsible for this and the amount they will receive will vary. It is paid direct to the young person.

Young people attending private language schools also get a bursary, but this is funded by the UASC POD.

Young people are to be encouraged to save some of this money for when they turn 18 but ultimately it is the young person’s choice whether they do this or not.

Laptops

For those aged under 16 the Virtual School will fund a laptop.

For those aged over 16 plus the UASC POD will fund this.

Optician Appointments

If young people are not in fulltime education and are 16 plus, eye tests are NOT free. (This normally relates to new arrivals). In this instance the first eye test can be funded by the Local Authority (receipt to SSW). Any ongoing eye appointments will need to be funded by the foster carers, although the majority of young people will by then, be in fulltime education.

HEP Vaccination for Carers

Carers recommended to have HEP funded by themselves. Carers should check with GPs as they may be able to get this for free if you explain that you are working with unaccompanied asylum seekers.

Scabies Cream – suggested UASC Carers and EDS carers keep a supply of this.

Travel Costs to Home Office

If travelling by train - foster carers are expected to fund the young person but the Fostering Team can reimburse the carers ticket (receipt to SSW). Alternatively, if travelling by car foster carers can reimburse fuel costs.

New Arrivals Kit List

New arrival set up essential clothing kit list:

5-8 t-shirts
2-3 sweaters or sweatshirts
1 jacket/coat
3-4 pairs of joggers/jeans
8-10 pairs of underwear
8 -10 pairs of socks
2 pairs of trainers/shoes
1 pair of sliders/flip flops/slippers
1 hat/cap
1 belt

We know many YP’s want branded clothing. Maybe 1 or 2 items can be a little more expensive branded items but sought out in the sale or from cheaper online retailers in order to make the budget get as much as possible.

A few of many Shops/Websites to explore for value or sales –

Sports Direct - SportsDirect.com – The UK’s No 1 Sports Retailer

Primark - https://www.primark.com/en-gb

H&M - https://www2.hm.com/en_gb

ASOS - ASOS | Online Shopping for the Latest Clothes & Fashion

TK max - Top Fashion, Gifting & Homeware Brands, up to 60% Less* - TK Maxx UK

Boohoo - boohoo | Women’s and Mens Clothes | Shop Online Fashion

Zalando - Shop Shoes, Fashion & Accessories Online | Zalando UK

M&M direct - MandM Direct | Cheap Branded Clothing & Footwear

Please Download the Journey – Brighton and Hove Care Leavers App which has further information on what young people are entitled to.

Looking after UASC

2020-03-03T11:09:45Z

This section provides advice for Brighton & Hove Foster Carers who are looking after Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and includes links to resources you may find useful.

Training Programme

2020-03-03T11:55:47Z

This section details upcoming UASC training courses.

Age Assessments

2020-03-03T12:14:51Z

Coram Children's Legal Centre have produced an informative guidance document called The age assessment process - please click here to download a copy.

The Asylum Process

2020-03-03T12:30:38Z

The Asylum process is complex, and it is essential that young people get specialist legal advice; this section explores what you need to know.

Supporting a Home Office vist

2020-03-11T15:08:17Z

Tips for accompanying a young person for a meeting at the Home Office

Please click here to download some helpful advice.

Travel Documents

2020-03-03T14:24:43Z

Coram Children's Legal Centre have produced a helpful factsheet Travel documents & travelling abroad, this can be downloaded here

UASC Activities and Resources

2020-03-03T14:35:01Z

Table Tennis

Brighton Table Tennis Club –works with people of all ages, especially young people to improve health and celebrate diversity. They run sessions for young people of all ages and backgrounds.

Website: www.brightontabletennisclub.co.uk Phone: 01273 670145

Global Social Club

The Hummingbird Project runs a Global Social Club – they meet every Friday at the BMECP Centre in Brighton between 5-7pm

Contact - enquiries@hummingbirdproject.org.uk

Radio

Radio Garden – provides various radio stations from around the world in multiple languages

http://radio/garden/live

Local clubs, organisations and service providers

Click here to download details of local clubs, organisations and service providers that offer advice and support to UASC children and their carers across Brighton & Hove.

Ramadan information for Carers

2020-03-03T15:09:45Z

Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide and is considered a blessed month, occurring on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Five Pillars of Islam outline the fundamental rules that all Muslims are required to follow, with Ramadan representing one of these pillars, known as 'Sawm' or "Fasting during the month of Ramadan."

At the start of the fasting month, Muslims greet each other with 'Ramadan Kareem' or 'Ramadan Mubarak.' The duration of the fasting period spans 29-30 days each year but doesn't adhere to a fixed date like Christmas on December 25th. To determine the correct timing for Ramadan, Muslims consult their local Mosque for confirmation of the start and end dates, aligning with dawn and sunset.

Who participates in fasting and why?

Muslims, upon reaching puberty (around the age of 12) and in good health, can begin fasting. Exemptions include those who are ill (both mentally and physically, and those on medication), pre-pubescent children (although some may choose to fast), pregnant and breastfeeding women, menstruating women, the elderly, and individuals traveling. If you are uncertain about a young person's circumstances, please seek advice from the local Mosque and/or contact your SSW, support worker or the children’s social worker.

During fasting, individuals are expected to abstain from all foods, liquids, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan serves as a period for increased reflection and worship. Many Muslims attend their local Mosques more frequently, engage in regular prayers, read the Quran, and contribute to charity or volunteer for noble causes. This month is seen as an opportunity to develop self-control, acknowledge God's blessings, and foster compassion, particularly for the less fortunate.

It is also a good idea to check with the school or college your young person attends to see how they are able to support them when fasting and with their prayers when studying.

Fasting Timetable

A typical fasting routine involves waking before sunrise for a pre-fast meal called suhur or sehri. This meal often resembles breakfast but, in some cultures, it may include more dinner like foods. The day proceeds with the Fajar prayer before sunrise, followed by a return to sleep for energy preservation.

The fasting day concludes with the Maghrib prayer at sunset and the iftar meal, symbolically starting with fresh dates & water/milk, followed by dinner. Snacking between meals is allowed, and hydration is encouraged.

Your local mosque will be able to provide you with a timetable of sunset and sunrise times for the fasting period. Generally, men are expected to attend mosque to observe prayers. It is optional for women and not all mosques cater for female worshippers.

Tarawih Prayer

Tarawih Prayer is a special prayer performed exclusively during Ramadan after the Night Prayer (`Isha'). While not obligatory, Muslims are encouraged to follow this practice.

However, for safeguarding reasons, young people in care under the age of 16 are not expected to attend these prayers in the early hours of the morning. This is supported by the local Iman who says that it is perfectly acceptable to pray at home. It is a good idea to talk with the young person together with their social worker and your SSW to help manage expectations prior to Ramadan starting. A compromise can normally be reached in which young people can meet up with friends and still be at home at a reasonable hour.

Supporting a child/young person in foster care during Ramadan

Check if the young person has a prayer mat and Quran in their language, as well as access to prayer times.

Provide a Hijab/head scarf for females and a Mosque Hat for males, leaving the choice of wearing them to the individual.

Discuss food preferences, offer support for cooking, and consider the possibility of communal meals. It is a good idea to discuss this with the young person before Ramadan starts as it may be difficult to organise if a young person is placed with non-Muslim carers who do not adhere to Ramadan.

Be mindful of the young person's schedule, and sleep patterns, and provide emotional support. Try to avoid offering drinks including water and tea and food during the day. Be aware that some young people will wake up at night to eat and may sleep longer hours during the day.

Make sure young people have someone to talk to about how they feel. Ramadan is about family, friends and community and may bring up feelings of loss for young people who are not living with their families.

Explore Islamic channels for faith support and communicate with the local Imam for guidance on mosque attendance.

Zakat ul Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is a compulsory donation made by all Muslims – regardless of age – provided they or the head of their household has food in excess of what they need. Only those with less than one Sa’ (equivalent to around 3kg) of staple food in excess of their means are exempt from paying Zakat al-Fitr. Historically, Zakat al-Fitr was donated in the form of one Sa’ of staple foods per person, but it is now more common for each person to make a monetary donation equivalent to one Sa’ of staple foods. The donation is £5 per person and must be paid during Ramadan before the commencement of Eid al-Fitr prayers.

As they are head of their household, foster carers will need to give each young person in their care this money, so they can make the donation. Supported Lodgings carers to discuss with their support worker about who pays for this.

Zakat Calculator

https://nzf.org.uk/zakat-calculator/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAwbitBhDIARIsABfFYIIgBiFCOasFKPZjuCvhD-1-TaejuNu23q-ICZY1jhvJGeiq8ovRTJQaAnGsEALw_wcB

Arabic vocabulary list

Ramadan Mubarak = Happy Ramadan

Ramadan Karim = Blessed Ramadan

Suhoor / Sehri = Pre-Dawn meal

Fajr prayer = Prayers before sunrise

Dhur prayer = noon/zenith prayer

Asr prayer = afternoon prayer

Iftar = meal eaten after sunset

Magrib prayers= sunset prayer

Isha prayers = night prayer

Tarawih prayers= to rest and relax”, as it is seen as a special form of Islamic meditation.

Eid Mubarak= Happy Eid

Food suggestions during Ramadan

It is a good idea to have some prepared food that young people can help themselves to or heat up in the microwave when they are hungry in the early hours of the morning (unless you are happy to cook for them or allow them to cook). This may consist of a cultural dish such as bread, rice chicken curry, kebabs and samosas etc. The meal needs to be high in protein, carbs, fats and dairy to ensure the young person is still receiving the recommended daily nutrients to take them through the fasting period.

The NHS website has some useful information on healthy fasting during Ramadan:

https://mcb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Ramadan-a-guide-to-healthy-fasting-NHS.pdf.

Eid Festivals

Eid: Eid ul-Fitr (sometimes called 'small Eid')

Upon completing the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Eid. This religious festival involves wearing traditional clothing, attending Eid prayer at the local Mosque, and exchanging greetings of 'Eid Mubarak.' Families gather for traditional sweets, breakfast, and share food. This occasion is marked by having sweet treats such as baklava, kheer (rice pudding) and halwa (a semolina pudding). However, western sweets are also be enjoyed such as biscuits, cakes and chocolate treats. Eid can be marked with the giving of gifts, and fostering allowances cover these costs. This is normally an item of clothing, but many young people prefer money. Decorating the home in traditional Eid style and supporting the young person in attending local Eid celebrations can enhance the festive experience.

Eid ul-Adha: A Celebration of Faith and Generosity (sometime called ‘big Eid’)

Eid ul-Adha, often referred to as the "Festival of Sacrifice or Big Eid," is a special occasion celebrated by Muslims worldwide. For those who may be new to the festivities, especially non-Muslim foster carers caring for Muslim children or young people, understanding the significance of this celebration can foster a deeper connection with the cultural and religious aspects of the children in your care.

Date of Celebration:

Eid ul-Adha typically occurs on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date may vary each year based on the moon sighting and lasts for three days.

Significance:

The heart of Eid ul Adha lies in the story of Prophet Ibrahims devotion to God. In a dream, Ibrahim was asked to sacrifice his son Isma'il as a test of his faith. However, God, recognising Ibrahim's unwavering commitment, provided a ram for sacrifice instead. This event symbolises submission to God's will. It's a reminder of the values of obedience, faith, and reliance on God's guidance. The festival encourages acts of kindness and compassion.

Rituals and Traditions:

1. Qurbani (Sacrifice): Many families perform Qurbani by sacrificing an animal, such as a goat or sheep. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those less fortunate, fostering a sense of community and generosity. Many Musim families in the UK select a country through a Muslim charity and pay for Qurbani, However, some families will give their order to a butchers, once the Eid prayers are done, then they collect the meat and distribute packages to the neighbours, family, friends and also to restaurants who would then cook meals for the homeless, which then gets distributed around their area For example, in London there is a charity called “Charity begins at home” that normally collect the donated meat and cooks the food to feed the homeless in the Charing Cross area.

2. Prayers: Special Eid prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, are performed in congregation. These prayers are an opportunity for Muslims to express gratitude and come together as a community, often performed in Mosques, parks or open space. The local mosques will advertise where these are taking place.

3. Family and Community: Eid ul-Adha is a time for families to gather, share meals, and celebrate together. It's an occasion to strengthen bonds within the family and the broader community.

Conclusion: Eid ul-Adha is a celebration that goes beyond religious significance; it is about fostering unity, generosity, and a sense of community. For non-Muslim foster carers, recognising and respecting these traditions can provide a supportive environment for Muslim children and young people in your care. As you join in the festivities, embracing the spirit of Eid ul-Adha can create a meaningful connection and understanding of the cultural and religious heritage of the children you nurture.