Do you need DBS check to host Ukrainian refugees?

[1983sgfhmki]

Anyone who is helping Ukrainian refugees through the gov scheme, can you tell me if UK hosts need to provide DBS checks? I'm really concerned about how unregulated this system seems, informally organised through Facebook, and the opportunities for abusers to exploit vulnerable people.

A quick Google says yes dbs check is required
www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-to-support-homes-for-ukraine-scheme

I’m concerned about this system too.
I think lots of people have signed up without truly understanding and considering the complexity of the situation they could end up living in.

I think a lot of people that registered won’t ever end up hosting anyone.

I can think of so many issues….
If you have children at home how are you supervising them if you have strangers in your home.
Refugees, who might not speak English, will be incredibly vulnerable if they end up in abusive homes and then don’t know how to leave\ have nowhere else to go.
What happens when hosts change their minds 3 weeks into hosting, where do those families go then.
What about large families (eg a mum with 4 children ), not many people would have space for a family that large.
Who is supporting these people 10K per refugee to the LA isn’t enough to provide any specialist support, I guess it would barely cover the additional use of universal services.

Overall I think the scheme is poorly thought out and an example of the government shirking their responsibility.

I think housing people in hotels would be better.

'I think lots of people have signed up without truly understanding and considering the complexity of the situation they could end up living in.'

Couldn't agree more. Most people who offer will do so with the best of intentions, but will be totally unprepared for the reality of sharing their homes with potentially traumatised, angry, grieving, heartbroken, devastated people. It's yet another half arsed non-plan from the government.

We have offered to host a lady whose husband, father and son are fighting. Dp and myself are both DBS checked. I've spoken to her via facetime and tomorrow hope to complete her visa application. I'm well aware of what we face but these people need shelter and safety. Neighbouring countries are absolutely rammed with those fleeing. Many are being forced to move on to make way for new refugees. We are absolutely aware of what we might face, I'm a HCP so do have some knowledge about what is available. That's why we have chosen to support someone without children. That said I'm astounded at the huge numbers of people wanting to be involved. At the moment it's a bit of a bun fight, a cross between tinder and blind date, with loads of jolly middle class families wanting to help but living in hugely expensive rural areas, lots of ever so tasteful photos of lovely houses, several weirdos --guy with mannequins as a hobby- and 'refugees' with dodgy facebook pages. I don't agree with the way it's become but if we don't help who will ?

@Mistygreyeyes it’s very kind of you to host someone. How did you match with the person you will be hosting? It’d be good to hear how the process goes for you. What checks/contact have you had so far?

I have emailed a few refugee organisations as I wondered if they’d be looking for people with relevant qualifications to do home visits. I’ve not heard anything about how things will be monitored ongoing though.

You sound sensible and like you have thought through your decision and who you can host. My worry is many others haven’t. I’ve asked basic questions of some of my friends who signed up and they don’t seem to have properly thought through how it will work for them. Things like are you going to supervise your child around the person you match with (eg at nighttime) or trust they are safe and run your home as normal. How will you feel when you leave home for the day and have to trust an unknown person in your home. What if the people you host are alcoholic or argue or need mental health support.

I agree. Discussed this with my partner last night. I also wonder how much the financial incentive is encouraging people to apply to host someone. Any case the lady I was chatting to last night has now decided to go to a ‘friend’ in London. Hate to sound cynical but I suspect it was just a better offer. She didn’t mention she knew anyone in England and seemed visibly relieved to be offered something. There’s literally 10-15 offers for each Ukrainian so it feels a bit demeaning really. Like ‘pick me’ ! I think we’ll wait to see if we are allocated someone via the charity scheme. At least we’ve tried.

I’m sure the charity will provide a much safer route for you to match with someone. Hopefully they can utilise your offer to help refugees in need.