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<p><del class="ministerial">It has not proved possible to respond to this question
in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with
the Member.</del></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">The department does not hold
information on the nationality of looked-after children in England. However, estimates
suggest that there may be around 5,000 children in care who are non-UK EU nationals.</ins></p><p>
</p><p><ins class="ministerial">We recognise that looked-after children who are non-UK
EU nationals will require support with immigration issues. It is important that local
authorities offer the necessary support by addressing these issues early as part of
any assessment and care plan. In doing so, local authorities can seek legal advice
about the appropriate action based on the circumstances of the individual looked-after
child.</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">Legislation will also be introduced
to bring immigration matters for separated migrant children into the scope of legal
aid, meaning that this group will get support in securing their immigration rights.
Legal aid may also be available through the Exceptional Case Funding scheme where
a failure to provide legal aid would breach, or risk breaching, European Court of
Human Rights law rights or enforceable EU law rights.</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">Ensuring
that looked-after children are supported to obtain a status under the European Union
Settlement Scheme is a core element in the delivery of the scheme.</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins
class="ministerial">Local authorities are expected to make applications on behalf
of all eligible looked-after children for whom they have parental responsibility and
to raise awareness of the scheme and offer support as required for looked-after children
for whom they do not hold parental responsibility.</ins></p><p> </p><p><ins class="ministerial">Guidance
has been issued to local authorities to help them with these responsibilities.</ins></p>
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