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Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC)

Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC)

UASC are children under the age of 18 who are seeking asylum in the UK on their own behalf because they have been separated from their parents and/or they are not being cared for by any adult who by law or custom has responsibility to do so.

It is essential that social workers and personal advisors working with UASC have an understanding of the asylum process so they are able to support young people to negotiate this complex process.

Social workers will also take on an active role in the immigration process, providing information and safeguarding UASC during the process.

The Refuge Council's diagram of the stages in the asylum process provides a visual representation of the steps that will be easy for young people to understand.

Social workers and personal advisors can refer to the Home Office guidance on children’s claims for information on how unaccompanied minors' asylum applications are processed and their role in this process.

 

Last updated: 27 March 2023