- Navigation menu list for the main sections in this web site
- What we do
- Get involved
- Help and advice
- Under 18?
- Donate
Children who are asylum seekers or refugees (PDF, 76KB)
Tilley, Kate
NSPCC
London: NSPCC, 2008
An NSPCC policy statement on the protection and welfare of asylum-seeking and refugee children. Covers the rights of refugee and asylum-seeking children, identifying and protecting trafficked children, the reasons why children seek asylum and the problems they face claiming asylum and accessing health services and legal advice.
Better outcomes: the way forward, improving the care of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (PDF)
Home Office UK Border Agency, 2008
Sets out the government’s plans to support and manage unaccompanied asylum seeking children who enter the UK.
Like any other child? Children and families in the asylum process (PDF)
Reacroft, John
Barkingside, Ilford: Barnardo's, 2008
ISBN: 9781904659105
Make recommendations in respect to the estimated 100,000 children of asylum seekers who are condemned to a childhood of poverty, uncertainty and fear due to the backlog in processing asylum claims. An eight page summary report (PDF) is also available.
Paladin child: a partnership study of child migration to the UK via London Heathrow (PDF)
Paladin Child
[London]: Metropolitan Police Authority, [2007]
Summarises work undertaken in an attempt to define the nature of child migration from non-EU countries to the UK. The project was a unique partnership effort to combine the different working practices and focus of three statutory agencies: immigration, police, social services and the NSPCC. Identifies key data which can be used to safeguard children arriving in the UK and in transit.
Social work with unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
Kohli, Ravi K. S.
Basingstoke, Hants.: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007
ISBN: 1403989664
Provides an overview of the issues involved in working with unaccompanied asylum seeking children. It reviews theoretical perspectives and offers a new framework for working with these children focusing on practical help, psychosocial support and companionship. Its main thesis is that in order to understand the relationship between social workers and asylum seeking children, these children need to be seen as ordinary children wanting ordinary lives.
When is a child not a child? Asylum, age disputes and the process of age assessment (PDF)
Crawley, Heaven
London: The Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA), 2007
ISBN: 1901833135
Aims to provide an analysis of current policy and practice in relation to age disputes with separated asylum seeking children. It looks at the circumstances and reasons when age is disputed, the policy and procedural framework, the assessment of age, impact on the asylum process, health and welfare consequences and suggests an alterna tive approach. It recommends that immigration guidance should be more closely followed, the establishment of regional age assessment centres, age assessment should be more holistic, and there should be an independent age assessment panel.
Safer UK: preventing sexual maltreatment of unaccompanied asylum seeking minors and improving services for them
Lay, M., and Papadopoulos, I., and Gebrehiwot, A.
London: Middlesex University, 2007
ISBN: 9781859242230
This report looks at the experiences of young unaccompanied Ethiopian, Somalian and Eritrean asylum seekers regarding sexual abuse. From interviews with these young people and with key professionals it considers the risks of child sexual abuse occurring, the effectiveness of preventive approaches and therapeutic interventions, and issues surrounding cultural competence. It covers the relevant legislation, the culture in the countries of origin, how sexual abuse can happen, disclosure, prevention of sexual abuse and professional practice in this area.
They are children too: a study of Europe's deportation policies
Fekete, Liz
London: Institute of Race Relations, 2007
ISBN: 0850010675
This book looks at the issues surrounding the deportation of children of asylum seekers and unaccompanied minors. It discusses the arrest and detainment procedures and the deportation of children, and the poverty faced by asylum seeking families. It also looks at the grassroots movements trying to protect these children.
The treatment of asylum seekers. Tenth report of session 2006-2007. Volume 1 - report and formal minutes (PDF)
House of Lords; House of Commons; Joint Committee on Human Rights
London: The Stationery Office (TSO), 2007
This report considers the human rights issues raised by the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK. Divided into the following chapters: human rights principles, access to financial support and accommodation, provision of healthcare, treatment of children, detention and removal, and treatment by the media. Considers in detail the detention of children and concludes that the detention of children for the purpose of immigration control is incompatible with children's right to liberty and is in breach of the UK's international human rights obligations. Includes a full list of the Committee's principal conclusions and 63 recommendations.
The treatment of asylum seekers. Tenth report of session 2006-2007. Volume II - oral and written evidence (PDF)
House of Lords; House of Commons; Joint Committee on Human Rights
London: The Stationery Office (TSO), 2007
Accompanying volume to 'The treatment of asylum seekers in the UK. Volume 1 - report and formal minutes', this volume presents the oral and written evidence submitted before the Committee in relation to the human rights issues raised by the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK.
Accommodating asylum-seeking children: the de-accommodation policy and practice of the London Borough of Hillingdon
Hamilton, Carolyn, and Matthews, Adrian
Childright 232, Dec/Jan 2007: 27-30
Looks at the procedures that the London Borough of Hillingdon undertake in relation to young asylum-seeking children at different ages, and particularly the process of de-accommodation at the age of 16. (De-accommodation refers to a change in status that means that young people are not 'looked after' under s.20 of the Children Act 1989). Considers the implications for service provision and child protection.
The politics of childhood and asylum in the UK
Giner, Clotilde
Children and Society 21(4), July 2007: 249-260
Considers the treatment of asylum seeking families with children in the UK. It investigates the implications of policy making in this area for children of asylum seeking families who fall between the two categories of the asylum framework and the child policy framework. Within this, it looks in detail at Section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004.
Going it alone: children in the asylum process (PDF)
Nandy, Lisa
Children's Society
London: Children's Society, 2007
Provides an overview of the asylum process which unaccompanied children go through in the UK and gives the children's views of their experience. It concludes that children are not given enough legal, emotional and practical support and find the experience confusing and frightening.
Seeking asylum alone: unaccompanied and separated children and refugee protection in the UK (PDF)
Bhabha, Jacqueline, and Finch, Nadine
London: Garden Court Chambers, 2006
Reports on findings from research which aimed to establish: whether the asylum determination process operating in the United Kingdom assists or hinders unaccompanied or separated children; whether the process complies with domestic best practice and regional and international human rights standards; if the determination process hinders unaccompanied or separated children from obtaining protection, how far international law norms are being breached and what has caused those breaches; whether changes to domestic legislation, policy, or practice would ensure that international laws are complied with; and, if unaccompanied or separated children have been assisted in obtaining protection, which policies and procedures had been instrumental in ensuring that they are protected.
The sound of silence: listening to what unaccompanied asylum-seeking children say and do not say
Kohli, Ravi K. S.
British Journal of Social Work 36(5), July 2006: 707-721
Examines existing literature on silence in the lives of unaccompanied minors, and how the choices they make about talking and not talking can hinder or facilitate resettlement. Describes a research study within which interviews were undertaken with local authority social workers to elicit their responses to unaccompanied minors in such circumstances.
Alternatives to immigration detention of families and children (PDF)
Bercow, John, and Dubs, Lord, and Harris, Evan
London: No Place for a Child Coalition, 2006
A report by an All Parliamentary Group supported by the No Place For a Child coalition. Argues that the Home Office is in contravention of a series of national and international legal guidelines and is failing to protect children who are being detained in the UK as part of the immigration process. Looks at alternatives to immigration detention of families and children.
Making a new life in Newham: a study investigating the factors that facilitate and prevent young refugee settlement in Newham (PDF)
Children's Society. Refugee and Homelessness Team
London: Children's Society, 2006
Reports on findings from research with young refugees which aimed to put their experiences into context. It underlines how hard it is for many young people to adapt - often after deeply traumatic experiences - whilst at the same time wanting to maintain their identity and culture. Asks: what is the meaning of settlement, what are the factors that facilitate settlement and what are the barriers to settlement?
The ecological approach to the assessment of asylum seeking and refugee children (PDF)
Kane, Sheree
[London]: National Children's Bureau (NCB), 2006
This briefing looks at the issues surrounding the assessment of refugee children, and the importance of taking an ecological approach. It considers what the ecological approach means, looking at the child in the context of their life in the country of origin, journey to the UK, their life in the UK and the possibilities of return to their country of origin. It includes case studies.
Asylum seeking and refugee children: developing good practice in assessment and planning (PDF)
Kane, Sheree
[London]: National Children's Bureau (NCB), 2006
This briefing looks at the assessment, planning and review process of refugee children. It breaks down the tasks of assessment and planning and focuses on the needs-outcome-services model.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the African refugee community in Newcastle (PDF)
Franks, Myfanwy
[London]: Children's Society, 2006
Findings from a study by Young Refugees Project North East in collaboration with ACANE (African Advice North East) and the Newcastle Local Safeguarding Children Board to explore both differences in child rearing practices and concepts about safeguarding practices in the African refugee communities. The main aims were to: increase awareness of the protection needs in refugee communities, develop safe practice in working with refugee children, young people and families in Newcastle, respond to the Government agenda for the protection of children and young people, and inform the debate at policy and practice levels.
Child first, migrant second: ensuring that every child matters (PDF)
Crawley, Heaven
London: Immigration Law Practitioners' Association, 2006
ISBN: 1901833127
Policy paper which calls on the government to ensure children subject to immigration control receive the support and protection intended for all children in the UK.
No place for a child: children in UK immigration detention: impacts, alternatives and safeguards (PDF)
Crawley, Heaven, and Lester, Trine
Save the Children
London: Save the Children, 2005
ISBN: 1841871036
A report arising from concerns over the detention of children and their families in the Dungavel Removal Centre in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The report is based on 32 cases of detention, and examines the experiences of children detained for immigration control purposes, covering issues such as the physical and emotional impact of detention on children, human/children's rights, and consequences to children's education and learning. Also examines legal safeguards and parental contact issues. Includes further reading.
Counselling and psychotherapy with refugees
Blackwell, Dick
London: Jessica Kingsley, 2005
ISBN: 1843103168
A book aimed at counsellors and psychotherapists to help them understand the experiences of refugees in terms of persecution, violence, exile and trauma. The book also explores methods of advocacy, supervision, and therapy techniques when working with refugees and refugee children. Includes a list of useful organisations.
Young refugees: a guide to the rights and entitlements of separated refugee children. 2nd ed.
Free, Elli
London: Save the Children, 2005
This guide is about the rights and entitlements of separated refugee and asylum-seeking children in England. These are children under 18 years of age who are outside their country and separated from both parents or their legal/customary primary care-giver. It covers the rights and entitlements of separated children and young people in England. However, as immigration and asylum policy are non-devolved, the policy noted in this guide is also applicable in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children: the response of social work services
Wade, Jim, and Mitchell, Fiona, and Baylis, Graeme
London: British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), 2005
ISBN: 190369986X
Reports on findings from an evaluation of the services provided to refugee children seeking asylum in the UK. Considers aspects of children's experiences around: referral and assessment; placement; education and training pathways; health and well-being; social networks: family, friends and community; and, the transition to adulthood.
Looking after unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children
Kidane, Selam, and Amerena, Penny
London: British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), 2005
ISBN: 190369969X
This book provides materials for a one-day training course aimed at social care professionals working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. It covers understanding the refugee children in context, relevant legislation, assessment of refugee children and building professional partnerships.
Separated children in Europe Programme: statement of good practice. 3rd ed. (PDF)
Save the Children; United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Copenhagen: Save the Children, 2004
Sets out the policy and practice basis for the Separated Child in Europe Programme (SCEP), a joint initiative of the International Save the Children Alliance and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Working with children and young people subject to immigration control: guidelines for best practice (PDF)
Crawley, Heaven
London: Immigration Law Practitioners' Association, 2004
ISBN: 1901833100
Guidelines to best practice in working with children and young people subject to immigration control in the United Kingdom immigration control. Aimed principally at those who play a role in decisions that are taken in relation to children's immigration status but also others responsible for the provision of non-legal services to children and young people subject to immigration control, and to immigration practitioners who work with such children and represent their interests.
Children refugees: first and foremost children.
Rogers, Nicola
Child and Family Law Quarterly 15(4), 2003: 383-390
Examines the international and domestic legal framework for the protection and treatment of unaccompanied refugee children in the UK, and the harsh practices and policy this framework may mask. Also considers the difficulties refugee children face, with reference to case studies of their experiences.
Supporting refugee children in 21st century Britain: a compendium of essential information. Rev.ed
Rutter, Jill
Stoke-on-Trent: Trentham Books, 2003
ISBN: 1858562929
This updated version takes into account the new Race Relations Amendment Act (2000) and the new Asylum Act. It looks at educational provision for pupils from refugee communities, including early years provision and meeting the needs of 14-19 year old students. Also includes information about healthcare issues, emotional and psychological issues, using the expressive arts with young refugees, parental involvement and family literacy. Includes a breakdown and information about specific refugee groups in the UK, from Afghan to Zimbabwe.
Working with refugee children (PDF)
Rutter, Jill
London Metropolitan University
York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2003
ISBN: 1859351387
Focuses on asylum-seeking and refugee children in the UK under the age of eight. Considers their welfare and educational needs, and the responses to those needs. The report also highlights gaps in knowledge about young refugee children.
A case for change: how refugee children in England are missing out. First findings from the Monitoring Project of the Refugee Children's Consortium
Dennis, Judith
[London]: Save the Children, 2002
Reports on findings from a data collection exercise carried out by Save the Children, the Refugee Council and The Children's Society in respect to the problems faced by young refugees. Discusses the key findings in respect to: education, social services support and placement, racial harassment, concerns about turning 18, age disputes, health and access to a GP, and, financial support.
I didn't come here for fun: listening to the views of children and young people who are refugees and asylum-seekers in Scotland
Macaskill, Sandra
Edinburgh: Save the Children. Scotland, 2001
Report jointly commissioned by Save the Children and the Scottish Refugee Council to highlight the experiences and difficulties faced by children and young people who are refugees and asylum-seekers.
Cold comfort: young separated refugees in England
Stanley, Kate
London: Save the Children, 2001
ISBN: 1841870439
Presents the views of young unaccompanied refugees in England and the professionals who work with them. Highlights gaps in service provision and areas of good practice in the areas of health, social services, education, immigration, social integration and housing. Proposes recommendations for meeting the needs of young separated refugees at national and local level.
I did not choose to come here: listening to refugee children
Kedane, Selam
London: British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), 2001
ISBN: 1903699037
Consists of the recollections, observations, thoughts and feelings of young unaccompanied asylum-seekers and refugees attending BAAF's Refugee Young People's Forum. Considers the rights of unaccompanied refugee children and highlights their experiences prior to exile, what happened to them on arriving in the UK, care upon arrival, educational support, health and mental health issues, the immigration and asylum determination process, informal support available to children and young people, and, the impact of racism, prejudice and xenophobia. Concludes with "messages" from unaccompanied refugee children.
Separated children in the UK: an overview of the current situation
Ayotte, Wendy, and Williamson, Louise
London: Save the Children, 2001
Presents an analysis of the situation in the UK against a European-wide framework of practice. Considers the experience of separated children after their arrival in the UK:- their treatment by the immigration system, the sort of legal representation they receive, access to welfare advice, how they are looked after by social services, where they are accommodated and other issues.
In safe hands: a resource and training pack to support work with young refugee children
Morgan, Jenny prod.
Refugee Council; Save the Children
London: Save the Children, 2001
ISBN: 1841870390
Video (33 mins) and booklet presented as a training pack for primary teachers and early years practitioners working with refugee children. The video illustrates good practice developed in two schools. The booklet includes information and guidance on how to provide emotional support to children who have experienced violent conflict, activities to support language development, information and guidance on the use of play and art therapy as a means of dealing with difficult experiences, guidance on the use of anti-racist practice as a means of raising self esteem, and, a short training session on how schools can support refugee children.
This reading list was prepared by the NSPCC Library (June 2008). These items do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSPCC. Anyone wishing to obtain any of the items on the list should contact their own public or academic library or bookshop. For information about publications produced by the NSPCC, please contact NSPCC Publications.
Although the sites listed here are checked regularly, the constantly changing nature of the internet means that some sites may alter after we have viewed them. The NSPCC is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, the content of these external websites.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.