Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) are young people who arrive in the United Kingdom (UK) without a parent or legal guardian.
These children are automatically classified as Looked After Children (LAC) and come under the care of the local authority.
Refugees and asylum seekers
- Asylum seekers
- Individuals who come to the UK because they are unsafe in their home country
- Refugees
- Individuals whose asylum claims have been accepted by the UK government. Refugees have the right to stay in the UK for up to five years. After this period, they can apply to remain in the UK indefinitely.
Who is the service for?
This service supports children and young people within the Borough of Swindon who are:
- seeking asylum
- under 18 years of age
- unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian
When these children reach 18 years of age, they may be entitled to further support from the care leaver service, depending on their legal status.
Who can request this service?
- Most referrals are made by the Police or other childcare support agencies
- Referrals are also accepted from members of the public or through self-referral by the child or young person
It is vital that all children and young people in need receive the appropriate help and support.
Further information
To access this service, contact the Children and Families, Contact Swindon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Support through the Child in Care and Care Leaver services continues until the Home Office makes a final decision regarding the child or young person's right to remain in the UK as an adult.