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LOOKING FORWARD: UNACCOMPANIED ASYLUM SEEKERS LEAVING CARE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BIANKA ATLAS
25 August 2006
INTRODUCTION
This qualitative study explored the experiences of nine unaccompanied asylum-seekers, examining their perspectives on their in-care experiences, preparation for leaving care, and after-care support. The study also provided an opportunity for seven professionals to share their views on practice and policy affecting unaccompanied asylum seekers leaving care. The study aimed to contribute to the limited research in this area, by providing a voice for these young people and professionals
The research showed that unaccompanied young people face considerable challenges in the transition from care towards independence, and that practice falls short of the standard envisaged by the leaving care framework. There was a clear need for a more strategic and holistic approach to service provision, the starting point of which should be the needs and rights of young people.
KEY FINDINGS
Through the process of analysis, five main themes emerged:
- Issues while children are in care;
- Leaving care preparation;
- After-care support;
- Specific issues facing young/ expectant mothers; and
- Related policy and practice concerns.
1. ISSUES WHILE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE IN CARE
There was evidence that unaccompanied young people were being denied the stability recognised as fundamental to their well-being. This was often related to issues such a shortage of foster carers or suitable residential placements, difficulties finding ethnically matched foster placements, and a lack of information exchange.
Furthermore, young people reported a range of problems whilst in foster care, many of which related to the way they had been treated by carers. Although several young people had some positive experiences in care, all had experienced at least one of the following: rejection, isolation, loneliness, discrimination, not being trusted, being used, issues around food and other aspects of ‘daily life,’ and lack of privacy and freedom.
2. LEAVING CARE PREPARATION
The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 (the Leaving Care Act) was introduced to improve leaving care services by giving care leavers a legal entitlement to better support in their transition to adulthood. However, the research showed that practice is sometimes far from what is envisaged – and required – under leaving care legislation. A number of issues were identified relating to the age at which unaccompanied asylum seekers left care, needs assessment and pathway planning, and assisting young people to acquire practical and financial skills. The young people in this study felt inadequately equipped for independence, especially with regard to financial responsibilities.
3. SUPPORT AFTER LEAVING CARE
The Leaving Care Act requires local authorities to remain in contact with young people who have left care. The personal adviser should be the key link between a young person who has left care and the responsible local authority, providing guidance and support, and ensuring that all relevant services are working together for the benefit of the young person. However, the findings suggested that after-care supervision and support is often sporadic and not uniform across the country. There was a striking difference in the level of support received by young people who had the support of a specialist leaving care service and those who relied solely on local authority services. The research showed that many unaccompanied care leavers are competent and resourceful. However, many have ongoing support needs and current levels of support were clearly inadequate to meet these needs.
One of the most striking unmet needs related to financial skills, in particular budgeting and paying bills. Most young people spoke of how difficult they found it trying to manage on a small budget, especially in light of the fact that most had never managed their own finances before. Many young people also revealed that living on their own was lonely, particularly for those who had previously been accommodated in children’s homes or a foster family with several other children. Many professionals were concerned about the young people’s sense of identity, feelings of belonging, and emotional and psychological well-being after leaving care, and emphasised the need for continuous support to ensure unaccompanied young people do not become isolated after leaving care.
4. UNACCOMPANIED YOUNG/ EXPECTANT MOTHERS
The study also enabled exploration of the experiences of unaccompanied asylum seekers who were young/expectant mothers – individuals barely acknowledged in the literature. There were some unique issues facing these young women – over and above those facing unaccompanied care leavers generally – including exclusion from statutory support after leaving care. The research suggested that unaccompanied young/ expectant mothers are vulnerable to a range of difficulties, not least of all ‘invisibility,’ their existence not reflected in any comprehensive statistics.
5. OVERALL PERCEPTIONS ABOUT PRACTICE/SERVICE PROVISION AND POLICY
The research revealed a number of issues relating to service provision and policy affecting unaccompanied care leavers. Although there were local variations in practice and support, resource constraints, negative attitudes towards asylum seekers, and inadequate staff training were identified by most professionals. Housing was of particular concern. Despite the commitment and best intentions of many professionals working with or for unaccompanied care leavers, there were a number of broader policy issues that made delivering the intended support very difficult.
There was evidence of good practice among the professionals consulted. They all seemed committed to providing the best service possible within the constraints of the system. There were also many positive messages about working with unaccompanied young people. Many professionals spoke of their resilience, motivation and passion for learning.
CONCLUSION
This research showed that unaccompanied asylum-seeking care leavers experience similar issues relating to preparation for independence and after-care support as their British counterparts. However, these issues were exacerbated for unaccompanied young people by their uncertain asylum status, which often led to exclusion and discrimination. The current framework for leaving care services was intended to provide the support needed for the transition from care to independence. However, despite legislative initiatives and policy developments, practice often falls short of the standards necessary to ensure adequate support for unaccompanied asylum seekers.
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