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

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.

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