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Unaccompanied migrant children: Local strategies supporting their transition to adulthood

Explore the local strategies implemented in Ireland to support the transition of unaccompanied migrant children to adulthood. From care provision to education, discover the policies, practices, and support strategies that aim to ensure a smooth transition for these vulnerable individuals. Join us at the City of Dublin Education and Training Board conference on September 9th in Brussels.

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Unaccompanied migrant children: Local strategies supporting their transition to adulthood

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  1. Unaccompanied migrant children: Local strategies supporting their transition to adulthood Jessica Farnan, City of Dublin Education and Training Board 09WS421 - September 9th, 9:15 a.m. Building SQUARE - Brussels Convention Centre, Room Copper hall Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels

  2. unaccompanied children in ireland TUSLA (Child and Family Agency) Social Work Team for Separated Children Seeking Asylum. Dublin • Increase in u/m arriving since 2014 (97) – 2017 (175) • Many are reunited with family members in Ireland or UK.(2017: 175 referrals, 11 taken into care, 70 FR) • More than 50% are aged 16 and 17. • Spontaneous arrivals & government relocation programmes. (Greece) • Calais Special Project (2017/18) • Malta (Lifeline) • Countries of Origin 2017: Albania, Afghanistan, Iraq • Specialised team of 11 social workers, 6 after-care workers. • 4 short term residential units and 3 long term residential homes. (registered children’s homes)

  3. unaccompanied children in ireland City of Dublin Education and Training Board: Youth and Education Service for Refugees and Migrants. • Supporting unaccompanied minors since 2001, now also other young people from refugee & migrant backgrounds.(EU, non-EU) • Since 2006: 2 youth workers to support aged-out unaccompanied minors alongside TUSLA • 5 full time and 8 part time staff (teachers) • 2018: The Service worked with 294 young people across a variety of programmes and initiatives, aged 13 to 26.

  4. Policy and practice CARE PROVISION • Under the International Protection Act 2015 the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) are responsible for the care of unaccompanied minors • Since 2010 : Equity of care principle – high standard of care in comparison with other EU countries (small numbers) • All unaccompanied minors receive care on a par with other children in the care system up to the age of 18. • All children are assigned a social worker. • Placement in residential care, foster care, supported lodging. • Aftercare plans provided under section 45 of the Child Care Act based on needs assessment of child’s age and needs (up to age 21/ 23) (80%allocated after care worker) • Eligible for aftercare if been in the care system for minimum 12months between ages 13 and 18 and have immigration status • In practice: simultaneous planning for various scenarios. • HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) highlighted inconsistences in after care plans. • Move to adult asylum seeker provision once 18 without status in cooperation with Reception and Integration Agency.

  5. Policy and practice EDUCATION • Education is a fundamental right under article 42 of the Constitution of Ireland and is compulsory for children under the Education (Welfare) Act up to the age of 16. • National Policy Framework for Children and Young People (2014 -2020): the Government commits to strengthening inclusion measures and reinvigorating efforts to improve educational outcomes ad integration for migrant children. Migrant Integration Strategy also reaffirms commitment to supporting migrant children. • The Education Act 1998 places the obligation on schools to ensure that the educational needs of all students are identified and provided for. Immediate immersion Policy (Exception – CDETB YES) • All children entitled to primary and post-primary education irrespective of immigration status. Resources are allocated under a general allocation model, each school organises English Language Support according to their needs and resources. • Access to vocational training, further education and higher education is dependent on status. • June 2018: Ireland opted into the EU Receptions Conditions Directive (2013/22/EU) – International Protection Applicants can apply for labour market permission and access FET and vocational training. • Upon 18 status changes from ‘child first’ to ‘international protection applicant’ first. Education options are limited to language and basic education.

  6. YES Support strategies Practice Migrant Access Programme Step Up Programme Life-Skills based on young people’s needs (Budgeting, Safety, Employment Skills) Recreational Activities (sports, arts, cooking) School Support Programme (Homework club, holiday time provision) Outreach Drop in Guidance Referrals to specialised services Principles Development of trusting relationship from early on Welcoming, safe, youth-friendly environment Youth Work and Education Intra-agency cooperation (schools, colleges, adult education, guidance) Interagency cooperation: with residential care workers and TUSLA social & after care workers. (Input into care plan) Cooperation with schools, training centres Good relationship with managers of adult reception centres and the Reception and Integration Agency.

  7. EDUCATION AND TRAINING TRANSITION OPTIONS FOR YOUNG ADULT ESOL LEARNERS

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