The Scottish Guardianship Service Pilot
Safeguarding children who seek asylum alone in Scotland
Each month, children and young people seek asylum in Scotland by themselves without a parent or legal guardian. Some may also be victims of trafficking. These ‘separated children’ become the responsibility of Social Work Services in the area they first arrive.
There are an estimated 200 such children in Scotland. Currently, the youngest child is 14 years old, although the majority are between 16-17 years old.
Upholding children’s rights and interest
Many calls have been made to safeguard the rights and interest of separated children - often from highest authorities at international, UK and Scottish levels.
Strong support from Scottish Government
These calls gained the Scottish Government’s support for the development of a pilot in Scotland. Their development funding provided the basis for fostering a fully-funded pilot we deliver in partnership with Aberlour Childcare Trust.
Guardians act as an idependant advocates and assist young people throughout the complex and often harrowing asylum process. They ensure children have access to the help they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Helping over 65 young people
The project has secured funding from the Big Lottery Fund, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the Scottish Government for 30 months. It currently supports approximately 65 young people in Scotland.
Evaluation of the Guardianship Service
The UK does not have a system of guardianship at present so this pilot is a significant piece of research with the potential to be used elsewhere. Professors Ravi Kohli (University of Bedfordshire) and Heaven Crawley (University of Swansea) are the indepedent evaluators of the project. The evaluation is funded by the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
