Home News Barnardo’s calls on Government to urgently put in place support for unaccompanied...

Barnardo’s calls on Government to urgently put in place support for unaccompanied child refugees

0

Following the Government announcement to admit more child refugees, Barnardo’s warns that the right support must be available for them.

Barnardo’s support the calls to admit  more unaccompanied refugee children but  warns that if the right support is not put in place urgently many of these children coming into the UK could find themselves alone, homeless and battling mental health issues.

Chief Executive Javed Khan said:

“We welcome the government’s announcement but if the right support is not put in place urgently many of these unaccompanied children coming into the UK could find themselves alone, homeless and battling mental health issues.

“Many of them will have been severely traumatised by the effects of war, they will have witnessed things we can’t even imagine. Therefore as we would if our own children had suffered the same, we must put in place that comfort, reassurance and support they so desperately need. As we said back in September last year the Government must urgently prioritise specialist, tailored care required by the unique circumstances of refugee children, and at the end of last year we reiterated that a strategic resettlement plan for the assessment and support of Syrian refugees should be put in place – we have seen no evidence any of this has been done.

“These children need, and deserve, a decent place to live with the right people and support in place for as long as they need it. Effective support now will also prevent problems in the future. If this is not put in place we are deeply concerned about the impact on these children and whether they will be able to live healthy and safe lives in the UK.

“Specifically specialist staff must be put in place to immediately identify the type of support these children need; some will need help for trauma or mental health. They then need to ensure that children stay in sensitive, loving foster homes whilst they live in the country, and that each foster carer has been specially trained to nurture them and meet their needs. Shockingly, many unaccompanied and potentially trafficked children end up staying in inappropriate placements and accommodation without much support, for example bed and breakfast. As a result, two-thirds go missing from care, putting them in danger from traffickers or predatory adults.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here