A greater number of foster carers are needed more than ever before in England. Statistics released for Children Looked After (CLA) in England during 2022 show a 9% rise in 2021 figures. In 2022, the number of CLA by local authorities in England rose to 82,170, up 2% on last year and continuing the rise seen in recent years. Both starts and ceasing were up on last year - last year's figures were likely impacted by the pandemic. The number of CLA who were adopted was up 2%, however, this is a modest increase given the decrease of 18% last year due to the pandemic where court cases progressed more slowly or were paused. The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) is above pre-pandemic levels - after a 20% decrease last year, the numbers of UASC are up by 34%. In general, health checks were maintained during the pandemic but last year the proportion of CLA having had their teeth checked by a dentist fell substantially to 40% - this has begun to recover - in 2022 70 % of CLA had had their teeth checked by a dentist during the year.
The government plans to launch an implementation strategy to transform the current care system to focus on more early support for families, reducing the need for crisis response at a later stage. The recent announcement echoes to better support all families, as evidence shows that strong, supportive families make for more stable communities and happier individuals.
Usma Saeed talks about the enriching experience she has found fostering to be and how she’s encouraged other families, particularly those within the Asian community, to become involved. A mother of three grown-up sons, from Sheffield, Usma is a full-time teaching assistant and Chair of Governors at a senior school. In just six years, she has fostered over 20 children and young people, from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, working with Five Rivers Child Care.
She says it’s been interesting to learn about other religions and cultures and that working in a diverse school community gave her a good grounding. The Saeeds celebrate Eid, Diwali and Christmas. A Muslim, Usma says her religion teaches acceptance and respect for other religions. Usma knew she would be able to open up her house to children who needed her but that she would require the support of her family.
As well as fostering, Usma takes on additional responsibilities within the organisation and is a Foster Carer Representative, supporting new and existing foster carers within her area. There are myths surrounding fostering, such as carers not being able to work when fostering. Five Rivers allows carers to work, as long as their work is flexible and the children are the priority. Foster carers need to be able to go to regular training, support groups, and contact meeting.
Usma is currently caring for a 10-year-old boy and a 16-year-old young man, who have been in her care for five and nearly four years, respectively. “The boys have made incredible progress whilst with me and I’m very proud of all they’ve achieved.” Usma was awarded The Mary Anne Rawson Award for Education, in honour of her determination, and service to the community at the Inspirational Women of Sheffield Awards 2022.
Here’s her exclusive Q&A with Asian Voice:
What does it take to foster children as an individual? What kind of monetary and emotional currency does it take on your part to make sure you do justice to the children you're fostering?
To be a foster carer, you must be ready for each individual's needs and be able to support the emotions and the trauma that they have been through. You must be loving, caring and adapting in many ways. Being able to recognise the best in the children and making them believe in themselves
What is your advice for fellow Asians and how can they make a difference by fostering more children?
You must be willing to give these kids 100% dedication and offer them emotional care and encourage them to make the right choices for their future. You have to be able to not focus on the negative behaviour that they do but praise all the positives they do as they have had all relationships taken away from them and to make relationships with us will take a long term. We have to be patient and continue thriving in positivity.
Please share some recent success stories and the difference Five Rivers Child Care made.
There are many different avenues of help we can get and my fostering agency five rivers offers a variety of training and support groups to ensure we develop our professionalism. In regular meetings with our social workers, we are able to recognise what support or training we need and they direct us towards that. It is also important to have a good support network as this enables your well-being and helps you to give these children the best opportunity whilst in your house. As a practising Muslim, I believe that fostering is a part of our religious beliefs as our prophet said anybody that puts a hand on a child in need is a good-hearted person. There are a number of children who need to be put in matched placements due to the shortage of foster careers. I would emphasise and encourage more Asians to offer and help these children. There are numerous positive stories that I could share but I feel that without fiver rivers' support, I couldn’t have been in a good position as a foster carer. One child I had came to me at the age of 10 had a reading age of a 5-year-old and within 2 months of them being with me, he was able to read confidently on his own. I work very closely with the children’s families as this has always made my placements successful.
As a person with her own family to take care of, how do you juggle between fostering, parenting, work and household?
As a family, we thrive on each other and support these children. We have a very busy household but we have boundaries and routines set in place. This is something that I have had with my own children and continued with the foster kids. I work full time and my school are very adaptable if I need to go to meetings or training sessions. Everybody in this household knows what to do and we get on. Everybody does their own chores in the house which makes it easier for me. My biggest son Umar is the most hardworking of all of my kids and I can see him potentially being a foster carer in the future as he is a natural around kids and has helped me immensely. When I take on a child I am always told what this child has been through. From that, I always make a plan and structure for what I and the family will do to help. This is shared with my social worker and any advice she gives me I do take on board. This enables me to give this child and best care and support whilst with me.
