Health board searches for carers to foster young asylum seekers

A major recruitment campaign is under way for carers to foster underage asylum-seekers in the Dublin metropolitan area.

Some 260 young asylum-seekers, who have no family support in Ireland, are in the care of the East Coast Area Health Board which this week will launch an information and advertising campaign seeking carers for the youngsters, the majority of whom are in the 13-17 age group.

The health board is seeking Dublin-based carers, including naturalised citizens who may originally be from overseas.

Many of the children are from eastern Europe and Africa, and according to the health board, the majority of older children are placed in hostels.

A spokesman for the health board said that while progress was being made in the management of these hostels they "cannot replace the support and nurturance that can be given to a young person placed in a culturally sensitive family situation".

The health board is seeking people from a range of family structures and religious, cultural and linguistic backgrounds who might be interested in taking a young person into their family.

Those interested will be assessed for their suitability by social workers and also by gardaí.

According to the health board, "potential caregivers need to be able to demonstrate an ability to be tolerant and understanding while providing boundaries and consistency in their parenting. If a young person requires extra counselling support or other assistance it will be organised by their social worker as appropriate."

A number of information stands will be set up at Dublin shopping centres this week and information nights are also being held.

Further details are available from Julie Linwood on (01) 2680390.