To approve joining the National Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Transfer Scheme and accept the statutory responsibility for a number equivalent of up to 0.07% of the child population within the county.

Cabinet received a report to approve joining the National Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Transfer Scheme and accept the statutory responsibility for a number equivalent of up to 0.07% of the child population within the county.

The head of looked after children highlighted the following areas:

·         The UASC scheme was a fair, equitable and transparent system for caring for children across the UK; the scheme was voluntary and locally led.

·         The transfer scheme offered the council an opportunity to demonstrate compassion for young people who had experienced conflict and trauma both within their home countries and during their journey to the UK.

·         Of those seeking asylum, 62% were aged 16 or 17 and a minority were female. Almost all children aged under 16 were fostered with half of those aged 16 to 17 being placed in foster care and half being placed in semi-supported accommodation. UASC’s who were given leave to remain within the UK were entitled to the same care and support as any other care leavers.

In the ensuing discussion the following points were made:

·         That there were a variety of levels of language skills amongst the UASC’s.  Those who were already here were doing well, but interpreters were provided for formal meetings involving their legal status in this country.

·         That the council would make use of regional expertise from Solihull Council in dealing with UASC’s.

·         That all 16 and 17 year olds in care would be entitled to the same care leaver support that other looked after children were, but that they would have to seek leave to remain in the country once they turned 18.

Resolved:

That:

(a)         the principle that the council would offer sufficient placements so that the number of UASC accommodated in its looked after system was equivalent to 0.07% of our child population be accepted; and

(b)         the director for children’s wellbeing be requested to, working with partner councils as appropriate, continue to make the case to government for sufficient funding to adequately resource these additional pressures and provide a further report on the outcome of those negotiations.