Safeguarding Children from Abroad

As well as the editors, contributors to this book include professionals with expertise in the fields of asylum and trafficking.

Each chapter looks at a distinct area of these fields and includes overviews of most of the literature going back 10 years, which is a long time in this rapidly changing area. While this is an advantage to those looking for a broad overview of the main issues, the result is that some chapters are more accessible than others.

The introduction includes a good explanation of why the term “separated children” is preferable to others in use. It is disappointing then, that throughout, the editors and most contributors refer to UASC (unaccompanied asylum-seeking child) to describe those in the asylum system; a dehumanising acronym that allows us to forget we are talking about children.

I found the chapters on mental health, guardianship and listening to separated children the best combinations of background and practical information. There are also useful updates on the issue of returns and helpful advice on how age assessments could be improved.

The editors appear to have a more in-depth understanding of trafficking issues over asylum law and policy, and there are some inaccuracies in descriptions of the latter, although it is clearly not the main aim of this thought-provoking book.

Reviewed by Judith Dennis, policy officer, Refugee Council