Children from Abroad
Last updated: October 7, 2008
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Large numbers of children arrive into this country from overseas every day and many of these children do so legally in the care of their parents. However recent evidence indicates that many children are arriving into the UK who are:
- in the care of adults who, whilst they may be their carers, have no parental responsibility for them.
- in the care of adults who have no documents to demonstrate a relationship with the child.
- alone.
- in the control of traffickers.
Evidence shows that unaccompanied children or those accompanied by someone who is not their parent are particularly vulnerable. The children and many of their carers will need assistance to ensure that the child receives adequate care and accesses health and education services.
Importantly a small number of these children may be exposed to the additional risk of commercial, sexual or domestic exploitation.
This guidance refers to current legislation and much of the immigration legislation impacts on work under the Children Act 1989 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people from abroad. However it is important to note that regulations and legislation in this area of work are complex and subject to constant change through legal challenge etc.
