The Bill will remove benefits from asylum seekers whose application fails. Charities fear children will be taken into care if the parents who refuse to leave the country cannot support them.
Ian Johnston, director of BASW, said: "We will need to think carefully about further advice to give to our members. And we will consider setting up a charity to give assistance to failed asylum seekers whose children would otherwise be in danger of being taken into care."
He welcomed Lord Bassam's assurance in the Lords that support would not be withdrawn if it resulted in a breach of the 1998 Human Rights Act, but feared this promise will not be in the Asylum and Immigration Act.
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