Children and Immigration

The Home Office is seeking views on reforming the management of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK and has published a consultation paper Planning Better Outcomes and Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (01/03/07 - 21/05/07 [S]). Key issues covered in the paper include the use of dental examination and X-rays to assess age; new case management procedures to improve and speed-up decision-making; policy for transferring cases; the development of enhanced voluntary return packages for pre and post 18s; and support arrangements for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children when they turn 18. Responses should be submitted by 31 May 2007. To view the paper see http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/6353/6356/17715/uasc.pdf

The House of Commons Joint Committee on Human Rights published on 30 March 2007 its tenth report, The Treatment of Asylum Seekers which is available on http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt200607/jtselect/jtrights/81/81i.pdf. For more information on children, immigration and the interface with family law see June [2007] Fam Law.