Information for interested parties

They offer an unaccompanied minor asylum seeker (UMA) child who has had to leave their home country for various reasons and has come to Switzerland without their parents or other adults a new home and a new family for a certain period of time.

In doing so, you give the child a sense of security and safety and enable them to develop positively. 

Any adult person of integrity with sufficient living space and financial security: singles, couples, LGTBQ; pensioners or families with German language skills and interest in an additional child in the family.

The duration depends on the individual case, but can range from several months to several years. The aim is to offer the UMA child a stable and reliable relationship until they have a clear residence permit or can live independently.

UMA (unaccompanied minor asylum seekers) are an important target group that requires special support. If you are thinking about taking in a UMA in a foster family, you should consider a few important requirements:

1. Experience with young peopleSince most UMA are adolescents, it is an advantage to have experience in dealing with this age group. This can be achieved by having children of your own or by working with young people.
2. Openness towards foreign cultures and religionsUMA come from different countries and cultures. A high degree of openness and tolerance towards different lifestyles, traditions and religions is important.
3. Age of the caregiversPeople over the age of 50, but also younger pensioners, can be considered as foster parents for UMA. The most important thing is that they are willing to take on this important task.
4. Support and securityUMA need a safe place where they can find peace and quiet. They want to learn German quickly and find their feet in Switzerland. Foster carers play a crucial role in supporting UMAs at school and in finding a job in order to pave the way for their independence.

UMA need a safe place where they can find peace and quiet. They want to learn German quickly and find their feet in Switzerland. To do this, they need support both at school and in finding a job.

Caregivers play a decisive role on the path to independence.

If you are thinking about taking in a UMA in a foster family, you should consider the following aspects:

1. Language barriers and misunderstandingsLanguage is a key issue. It takes a while for UMAs to be able to converse fluently in German. Patience and understanding are required here.
2. Food culture and individual needsMany UMA appreciate having the opportunity to cook their own food in the foster family. Culinary diversity and individual preferences should be taken into account.
3. Other experiences and maturityUMA often bring different life experiences with them than young people who have grown up here. They often appear more mature and independent. The support provided to young UMA is aimed less at educational issues and more at helping them to integrate into Switzerland and become independent.
4. Traumatized experiencesMany UMA are traumatized by their experiences in their home country and by their flight. This often manifests itself in sleeping and learning problems. An appreciative temporary home can give them back security and confidence.

If you are prepared to take on this important task, you can have a lasting impact on a young person's life.

You have the option of choosing one of our Info events to visit. In advance you can book a Time slot for initial questions or read up on individual topics on our website. 

After attending the information event, you will need a care place permit. Depending on your canton of residence, you can obtain this from the Youth Office (BS) or the KESB (BL). This requires (at least) one clarification meeting at your home.

The basic courses are usually attended at the same time as the assessment interviews, so you will need around 3 months to complete the process before we can accept you into the foster family pool and find you a foster child. The demand for UMA foster families is high, so you can expect to receive an inquiry soon.

An allowance of around CHF 80 is paid per day and child, which varies slightly depending on the canton. In addition, the costs for the foster child's health insurance, school and leisure activities are covered.

You take on the day-to-day care and education of the underage asylum seeker and promote their development and integration. In doing so, you respect the child's origin and identity and support contact with their relatives.

They work together with the specialist departments and authorities and take part in further training.

We offer you four basic modules as preparation for the task as a foster parent as well as the opportunity for a regular exchange on all questions relating to your fostering relationship, both with specialist support and in foster parent groups.

We are also on hand to help you with crises and conflicts and can arrange further assistance if required.

The Center for Foster Children is increasingly looking for committed foster families who have also immigrated to Switzerland and speak one of the languages of UMA (unaccompanied minor asylum seekers).

An important prerequisite here is that at least one parent can communicate with us in German.