Islington Council has issued an appeal for more foster carers to help with unaccompanied asylum-seeker children.

New families based in north London are urgently needed, according to the council, to provide homes to vulnerable young people, including children fleeing the continued unrest in Syria.

Cllr Joe Caluori, executive member for children and young people at Islington Council, explained: ‘These children arrive in the UK scared, alone and with an uncertain future. Wherever they are from, they are all in need of a welcoming home where they can feel safe, secure and supported.’

‘It is essential we act now,’ he urged, ‘as already 20 unaccompanied children have arrived in the borough this year.’

Currently Islington has more than 150 foster carers looking after children of all ages and backgrounds, but with the continuing Syrian crisis the council projects more people will be needed.

The assessment process to become a foster carer for any child or young person can take several months so it is important for families who wish to get involved to act soon.

Islington Council provides all its foster carers with financial support, a social worker, and 24-hour support. There will also be extensive training opportunities and regular peer support available.

For more information, call Islington Council’s office on 0800 073 0428 or email fostering@islington.gov.uk.