UP TO 25 unaccompanied child refugees could be given safety and a home in Herefordshire.

Herefordshire Council’s cabinet will today be asked to join the National Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Transfer Scheme and accept statutory responsibility for a number equivalent of up to 0.07 per cent of the county’s child population.

Currently, most children who have fled places such as Eritrea and Afghanistan, are in the care of the council of the area where they claim asylum, leaving a small number of councils – Kent in particular – looking after the majority of children.

Discussions have been taking place between children’s services, the local government association and central government about introducing a national transfer scheme.

With the child population of Herefordshire recorded as 36,041, the council is proposing to take in up to 25 children.

It already cares for six within its looked after children (LAC) population so the scheme would require it to accept responsibility for an additional 19.

In a report prepared ahead of today’s cabinet meeting, the council said: “The transfer scheme offers an opportunity to Herefordshire Council to demonstrate compassion and opportunities to children and young people who will have experienced conflict and trauma both within their home countries and during their trip to the UK.

“Historically, the council has cared for very small numbers but we have had a small number accommodated over the past 12 months.”

Herefordshire Council has started to advertise on social media for foster families to come forward, with no placements available within its own fostering service or through supported housing.

The council concedes the arrival of the children will pose challenges for the school and health sectors but officers are working with the services affected to prepare them.

The Home Office will pay a grant for the care of UASC and refugee children of £41,610 per child, per year for those under the age of 16, £33,215 per child, per year for children aged 16 and 17 and £200 per child, per week for those who qualify for leaving care support.

The council expects to pay an extra £100k per year to cover costs of placements and infrastructure.

Anyone interested in helping with fostering can call 01432 383240 or visit herefordshire.gov.uk/fostering for more information.