Integration into a new setting: how do children integrate following their

trafficking experience and what can we learn from work with other populations

regarding integration?

11th October 2012

Integration in a time limited space for asylum seeking young people.

Ravi KS Kohli

Professor of Child Welfare

University of Bedfordshire

Key Questions

what are we learning about the barriers and challenges to integration for separated children seeking asylum in the UK?

what are some of the strategies that can support the integration of children into a new setting?

Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking ChildrenSomeone who is (or looks as if they are) under 18

years of age.

Separated from parents or other adult relatives or guardians.

Making an asylum application in their own right.

Needs the protection of welfare services in the country of asylum while their claim is examined and settled.

Refugees in the World in 201025.2 million displaced.10.55 million refugees.4.62 million children.

Mostly from Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia.Major host countries: Pakistan, Iran, Syria, Germany, Jordan,

Kenya, Chad, China, USA, UK.In UK 3.84 refugees per 1000 people.

15,500 unaccompanied child applicants in 69 countries.1,717 unaccompanied child asylum applicants in the UK.

17 or under: Initial decisions 2005-2010

Total Numbers: 15,045

Discretionary Leave: 10,500

Refused: 2,885

Refugee Status: 1,540

Humanitarian Protection: 95

Anonymity

‘Thin’ Stories

A labelled identity

Restricted movement

Sanctuary

citizenship

fellowship

Kinship

linking roots and shoots

house and ‘home’

‘Thick’stories

Choosing to move

EducationMoneyStatus

The Scottish Guardianship Service A Guardian is someone who accompanies children and young people when they claim asylum or are trafficked and are cared for by health, education and welfare services.  

A Guardian will help a child or young person to be actively involved in decisions that affect their life and to get the help they need, when they need it.  

A Guardian is on the child's side, can explain what is happening to them, will listen to their views and experiences and speak up for them when needed.  A Guardian will also help a child or young person to plan their future, whether in the UK or elsewhere.

A Guardian is...

By their side

On their side

As they arrive, stay or leave.

Intended Focus of Work

Welfare

Scottish Guardianship

Service

Each separated young person has a significantly improved experience of the immigration and welfare

processes.

To develop a child-centred model of practice that:1. promotes interagency working and

2. provides better information upon which to base immigration decisions

Year 1: Young People’s ViewsThe young people feel positive about ‘their’

Guardians: friends, family members, trusted and reliable companions, trouble-shooters, connectors, diary organisers and guides. They helped reduce bewilderment and loneliness.

Guardians offer clarity, kindness, repetition, de-briefing, constancy and companionship, trust, elasticity and ‘sense-making’ in a difficult world.

She endures with me…

Domains of Guardianship Working

Social work

Health

Education

Accommodation

Lawyers

Scottish Guardianship

Service

UKBA

Friends

Project work

Dancing

Arts & crafts

Social Activities

AsylumSeeker

Refugee

Child or adult?Age disputed Bogus

Unaccompanied ForeignTrafficked Victim

Businessman Accountant Footballer Chef

Billionaire Nurse President BasketballPlayer

SupportTimeCompanionshipConstancy and endurance.Bringing everyday life back.DignitySupporting ambitions for safety,

belonging and success.