The plans are understood to have featured in a draft version of a HomeOffice consultation that is expected to be published in January. Theyincluded dispersing unaccompanied asylum-seeking children to 20 councilsaround the country. Originally the Government was thought to be planning10 dispersal sites.
The proposals could also include a pilot scheme to x-ray children whoseage is disputed to estimate how old they are.
Children's organisations said the dispersal plans were in completeopposition to the looked-after children green paper plans, which willemphasise that children in care must have stable care and schoolplacements.
Nushra Mapstone, professional officer at the British Association ofSocial Workers, said: "All the research says moving looked-afterchildren is bad for them and that is what the green paper will say. Weshould not treat unaccompanied children differently but, anticipatingwhat is likely to come from the Home Office, it looks like we will. Wewill be arguing for equality for them when it comes to the green paperand where it leaves unaccompanied minors."
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