Independent advice and support for Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children (UASCs)

The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism and police. It is responsible for controlling migration for the economic benefit of the country and protecting its borders. It gives permission to those who wish to come to the UK to work or study. It also supports those with genuine protection needs who have come to the UK as asylum seekers, with humanitarian protection needs and those who settle as refugees. This includes work with some of the most vulnerable in our society and we put people at the heart of all that we do.

The Home Office has a duty under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to ensure that all functions “safeguard and promote the welfare of children,” and that “any services provided by another person pursuant to arrangements which are made by the Secretary of State are provided having regard to that need.” The future contract contributes to meeting this obligation, ensuring that UASC can adequately access the services and support they are entitled to. It is important operationally that this support is independent to the Home Office, in order to complement the asylum system functions delivered by the Home Office for UASC. Furthermore, for some children, who have a fear of state persecution in their countries of origin, support from a non-governmental organisation can be invaluable.

The Home Office is seeking to procure a provider or providers that will support its Section 55 duties. This will include, but will not be limited to, the activities set out below across England and Wales:

• Act in the best interests of children at all times, including having close regard to safeguarding concerns.

Lot 1- Initial support for UASC at Dover port.

• Provide a 24/7 support service at the port of Dover. To provide initial advice and support appropriate to the needs of newly arrived children at the port, prior to them being taken into the care of a local authority.

Lot 2- Ongoing support for UASC across England and Wales

• Assist UASC, and those responsible for their care, to understand the end to end asylum process; including helping UASC to advise the Home Office of material changes in their circumstances, provide a general advice and signposting service to UASC following an asylum decision and as appropriate, inform the child of the Assisted Voluntary Returns programme, and provide impartial advice on this.
• As appropriate, act as Responsible Adults for children at substantive asylum interviews and other asylum process events.
• Where children do not have existing legal representation for their asylum application, to refer to a Legal Aid Agency accredited legal representative, or to offer the necessary information to the relevant social worker or carer.
• Assist children to understand their rights and responsibilities while being a looked after child in England, and to make relevant referrals as necessary to support them with this.
• Work with Local Authorities to make sure that children are receiving the right level of support, including but not limited to accommodation, education, and mental and emotional health support.
• As appropriate, assist the child to make positive cultural connections.

The content of this PIN, including the nature of works, services and estimated value, may be the subject to change.