The association claims that a pilot scheme in Manchester, Leeds and north London is in breach of the social work code of practice, which states that families should stay together.
The scheme, under which local authorities must implement Section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 2004, allows benefits to be removed from failed asylum-seeking families who refuse to return to their country of origin. This can lead to under-18s being taken into care.
Nushra Mapstone, professional officer at the association, said: "This merits urgent intervention by the commissioner." Up to 116 families could be affected in the pilot areas, according to the Refugee Council.
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