Food, Shelter and Half a Chance: Assessing the needs of unaccompanied asylum seeking children

Food, Shelter and Half a Chance: Assessing the needs of unaccompanied asylum seeking children

Description: "I am sure that all those working in the field with this group of vulnerable young people will find the new guide enormously helpful."

Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Health

This is the first book to look at local authority responsibilities towards unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children, now numbering around 6,000 in the UK. They have survived conflict, persecution and fear and suffered the consequences in terms of trauma, injury, pain, loss and separation. This book makes clear that they are entitled to services within the framework that applies to all ‘children in need’. This clear, accessible and informative guide defines the legal position of refugee children and considers the following:

The special needs of unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children

The importance of appropriate care arrangements

Key issues in assessing their needs

Placement choices

Looking After Children materials and their application

Leaving care

Good practice issues.

With useful appendices, including the asylum application process and a reading and resource list (with websites). "

Author: Selam Kidane

Published: October 2001

http://www.baaf.org.uk/