Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers

Unaccompanied asylum seekers

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking young person (UASC) have very specific needs. Planning their provision effectively may require the presence of interpreters and an understanding of their immigration status. Talking about this with young people can be difficult for both the young person and for those working with them, but it is essential that their future planning is discussed within this context.

Most ESOL Courses take place in FE Colleges, but in contrast to other courses offer a 'roll on roll off' program, with flexible intakes.

Financial support for UASC

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children do not receive cash support from the Home Office and are the responsibility of the local authority. They are treated as looked after children and are eligible for a bursary for vulnerable groups ('in care' group), where they have a financial need.

When these young people reach legal adulthood at age 18, institutions must consider their immigration status. If the asylum claim is decided in their favour, the local authority must provide them with the same support and services as they do care leavers. As such, they continue to be eligible for a bursary as a student from a vulnerable group until they reach the upper age limit.

Where an asylum claim is not supported, the individual may not be able to stay legally in the UK. When asylum claims have been fully heard/the appeals process exhausted, an individual has no entitlement to public funds (with a few exceptions where the withdrawal of support would be seen as a breach of human rights).The Separated Child Foundation - Home

Refugee & Asylum Seeker Myth Busters | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)