This protocol has been developed to ensure that there is a unified regional approach to the safeguarding issues relating to unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). The recommendation to develop a regional UASC safeguarding protocol was agreed by the Regional Police Asylum Forum in and the Directors of Children and Young People’s and Local Safeguarding Children Boards.

The protocol includes:

  1. Guidelines to ensure that local authorities, the Police and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) liaise at the earliest opportunity to record the personal details and biometric data of newly arrived UASC.
  2. A sub-protocol for conducting age-assessments.
  3. Guidelines to ensure that newly arrived UASC are placed in appropriate types of regulated supported, accommodation suitable for vulnerable looked after children and young people; particularly in relation to ‘out of hours’ referrals and over weekends.
  4. A sub-protocol outlining a unified response to trafficked children and a risk assessment toolkit to identify the victims of trafficking.
  5. A sub-protocol outlining a unified response to UASC that go missing from care.

Age Assessment Information Sharing for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children: Explanation & Guidance (ADCS/Home Office)

A consortium of partners co-ordinated by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has produced good practice guidance aimed at assisting frontline social workers in conducting age assessments of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in the UK.

Representatives from local and central government, health, the police and a number of non-government organisations have collaborated with experienced social workers and practitioners on this piece of work which brings together the fundamental elements of what constitutes a lawful assessment whilst promoting best practice. It contains practical advice on preparing for, and conducting, age assessments, as well as a range of useful resources covering issues such as trafficking, trauma and memory, and legislation and case law. Young people with experience of age assessments were consulted and some of their reflections appear in the final document.

Click here to view the ADCS/Home Office Age Assessment Guidance and Information Sharing Guidance for UASC