UK Borders Agency staff must now follow a code of practice which states how children and young people should be treated while being detained or transferred into local authority care.
The code will eventually be superseded by a legal duty in the forthcoming Border, Citizenship and Immigration Bill, which will legally oblige the agency to consider welfare in the same way as every other UK authority that deals with children.
Under the code border agency staff must offer children in the immigration system treatment that meets the same standard a UK child would receive. The child's interests must be made a primary consideration, and children must have their asylum applications dealt with quickly. The agency must identify children that might be at risk from harm.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
