Sixteen-year-old Daniel Lusukumu is sad and angry. Sad because he isfacing the possibility of going into care, and angry because he knows itis because he comes from a family seeking asylum.
Daniel and his four siblings, including a seven-month-old sister stillbeing breastfed, are the first family who could be split up using widelycriticised powers introduced by the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004 lastDecember.
Previously, asylum seekers refused permission to remain in the UK stillqualified for support if they had children under 18. But under sectionnine of the Act, local authorities must withdraw support from familiesif they make no attempt to leave the country. As the Children Act 1989prevents them from removing support from children, local authoritiesmust take them into care.
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
