Safeguarding the Needs of Children and Young People Seeking Asylum in the UK: Addressing Past Failings and Meeting Future Challenges

✍ Scribed by Rachel Hek; Nathan Hughes; Roberto Ozman

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2011
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 145 KB
• Volume: 21
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0952-9136
• DOI: 10.1002/car.1202

✦ Synopsis

Numerous reviews of UK policy and practice have criticised the provision of support to children and young people seeking asylum. Recent research and policy analysis present a dual failure in the current response: that of the immigration system in recognising and responding to specific needs; and that of statutory services in applying key legislation relating to rights, entitlements and subsequent provision. In combination, this illustrates a system that is at all times in tension between ideas of control and protection of these vulnerable young people, and ultimately therefore fails to safeguard.

‘A system that is at all times in tension between ideas of control and protection’

Recent changes to government policy, the legislative framework and practice guidance governing such provision suggest that such failings may have been recognised but much work remains to be done to implement these changes effectively. Furthermore, these changes are occurring in a period of significant instability in public service provision, resulting from the severe cuts to public funding outlined in the UK Government's 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review (HM Treasury, 2010). It is therefore timely to review current policy and practice related to children and young people seeking asylum in the UK so as to address past failings and fully realise the stated commitment to ensure a young person's ‘best interests’ are fully considered in any immigration decision. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Refugee and asylum seeking children's welfare should be the primary focus of practice rather than immigration policy.

Provision of safe, suitable accommodation, appropriate education, emotional support and leisure activities are key to children's wellbeing.

Refugee and asylum seeking children in families tend to receive even less services than unaccompanied children.

Practitioners should ensure that where possible they work with the whole family and the wider community to provide appropriate services.

‘Refugee and asylum seeking children's welfare should be the primary focus of practice rather than immigration policy’