Barnardo's affirms commitment to failed asylum seekers' welfare

7 July 2011 2 mins read Neil Puffett Social Care Asylum Safeguarding and child protection

Barnardo's will pull out of a deal to run services at the government's pre-departure accommodation (PDA) centre for failed asylum seekers if children and families are not treated properly, the charity's chief has said.

Barnardo's agreed in March to run family welfare services at the government's PDA centre in Pease Pottage, West Sussex, part of the government’s pledge to end the detention of children for immigration purposes.

The centre, on a school site near Gatwick Airport, will have nine apartments for families surrounded by a 2.3m-high fence. Children will be able to be held at the centre for up to 72 hours under the government’s plans.

But speaking at an event in London today (7 July), Barnardo’s chief executive Anne Marie Carrie set out "red lines", warning action will be taken if the welfare and dignity of any asylum-seeking family or child is at risk.

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