“Deep-rooted reform” of asylum and care system for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children needed in capital: London Councils

In the report, children and young people describe the existing asylum process as “long and uncertain”, with delays placing their lives and futures on hold.

Its authors noted: “Enabling speedier decisions would help clear the current backlog, reduce costs for boroughs, and ensure that unaccompanied children are not left in prolonged uncertainty, damaging their sense of belonging.”

The report describes age assessments as “intrusive and retraumatising”, noting that in some cases, these assessments have delayed asylum decisions, and children who have been wrongly assessed as adults have faced potential harm after being placed in adult hotels and denied access to children's services.

In recent years, London boroughs have supported around a third of all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children looked after by local authorities in England.

During this time, unaccompanied children made up around 16% of all looked-after children in London boroughs – higher than the 7% average for England.

The report makes the following recommendations for reform:

• All children and young people who are in the asylum system should have timely access to free, expert legal representation which is child-centred, receiving the holistic support they need to be able to engage effectively with their legal case.
• Children should only be subject to age disputes where there is significant reason to doubt their age and as a last resort, whilst safeguards for unaccompanied children at the border need strengthening.
• Consistent integration and belonging support provided for unaccompanied young people to prevent loneliness, especially upon arrival.
• The government should provide funding to local authorities to establish a system of independent legal guardianship for all unaccompanied children; from the moment they come into contact with any authority.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, London Councils’ Executive Member for Communities, said: “We know that under the current system, unaccompanied children and young people seeking asylum experience adversity daily in boroughs across London. We urgently need reforms that centre the rights, voices, and well-being of these children. From legal support to integration services, boroughs are calling for a compassionate, coordinated approach that helps young people build safe and hopeful futures."

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson