The Scottish Guardianship Service, delivered in partnership between Aberlour Childcare Trust and the Scottish Refugee Council, has helped more than 80 young people who have been separated from their parents. The majority are 15-17 years old and come from 17 countries including Afghanistan, Vietnam, Nigeria and Iran.
The service provides each of the young people with a 'guardian' to help them navigate the asylum system and rebuild their lives in Scotland. The guardians act as independent advocates for the child, assisting them with everything from dealing with lawyers to helping them build social networks. It is the only service of its kind in the UK.
The evaluation released today (April 26) found that almost all of the young people reported higher levels of wellbeing as the result of the support of their guardians. Other professionals working with the young people also had high praise for the service.
The pilot's success has been recognised by the Scottish Government, which has agreed to fund the service for another three years. Aileen Campbell, Minister for Young People and Children, said: "All children need to feel safe, but unaccompanied asylum seeking children in particular need to feel safe, cared-for and listened to. The Scottish Guardianship Service gives them a voice and makes sure every young person involved understands and participates in decisions that affect them."
John Wilkes, Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, said: "Despite improvements, the asylum system is still not a child-friendly one. It can be extremely difficult for traumatised young people, who find themselves alone and feeling their way in a strange culture, to navigate its complexities and deal with a host of professionals including lawyers, Home Office officials and social workers.
"Having a guardian by their side and on their side not only makes a huge difference to the experience of that young person in Scotland. It also means they have a far better understanding of the asylum system. That greatly increases their chances of getting a fair hearing, and as a result better immigration decisions are made."
The Aberlour Trust, the largest Scottish children's charity, has its roots in an orphanage set up by Canon Charles Jupp in Aberlour in 1875, and still maintains strong links with Scottish churches.
Guardianship service helping unaccompanied young asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Sco...
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Guardianship service helping unaccompanied young asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Sco...
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Guardianship service helping unaccompanied young asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Sco...
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