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<p>This Government takes its responsibility for the welfare of migrant children very
seriously. We have comprehensive statutory and policy safeguards in place for caring
for and safeguarding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).</p><p>Social workers
and the courts are best placed to make decisions for vulnerable children, in consideration
of all the factors involved in often complex cases. Children should be cared for in
a way that recognises and respects their identity and carers should be given the training
and support they need to meet the child’s needs.</p><p>Local authorities are responsible
for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in their area, including
their mental health and emotional wellbeing needs, regardless of their immigration
status. Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs) are provided in addition to
this statutory support and are an additional source of advice and support for potentially
trafficked children, irrespective of nationality, and somebody who can advocate on
their behalf.</p><p>Due to the specialist nature of the ICTG service there is currently
no intention to expand the scope to include all young asylum-seeking children in England
and Wales whether or not they are separated from their parents.</p><p>There are other
provisions already in place to provide support for migrant children. Unaccompanied
asylum-seeking children can access legal advice from qualified legal representatives
and, in England, independent advice and assistance on the asylum process and in their
interactions with government agencies is available from the Refugee Council’s Independent
Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children Support Service (IUSS).</p>
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