Advice on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Definition
The Home Office definition is:
- an individual who is under 18 and applying for asylum in his/her own right; and is
- separated from both parents and not being cared for by an adult who by law or by custom has responsibility to do so
Such children are clearly extremely vulnerable and may be associated with trafficking. (See Child victims of trafficking in this section of these procedures)
The Children’s Services, the Police and the UK Border Authority work closely in such cases. Any concerns about children who are not accompanied must be discussed with the Helpdesk (01952 385700)
Please ensure that every child is provided with services which will keep them safe, regardless of their legal status.