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<p>The Government ended the routine detention of children in immigration removal centres
in 2010. Individuals under the age of 18 are not detained for consideration of their
asylum claim.</p><p>In cases where new information comes to light or concerns are
raised, which indicate that a person who has been detained as an adult may be a child,
we would seek to release them into the care of local authority children’s services
at the earliest safe opportunity for an age assessment.</p><p>Section 55 of the Borders,
Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 and published guidance in the form of Detention
Services Order (DSO) 19/2012 “Safeguarding Children Policy” and DSO 14/2012 “Care
and Management of Age Dispute Cases” set out the legal duties and guidance for staff
in the immigration removal estate. This ensures that the welfare of children and their
safeguarding is at the forefront of every interaction and decision.</p>
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