Children seeking asylum
Under international law, the UK has a duty to offer asylum to people who flee their own countries because of a well founded fear of persecution.
Children in these families are usually very vulnerable and have experienced the most traumatic of times in their home countries.
Whether families are given leave to remain in the UK or eventually return home we believe that the children are children first and foremost and should be treated with dignity and respect while they are here.
Campaign to help children seeking asylum
Barnardo’s is supporting Refugee Action’s call to the government to reconsider the cuts it has made to levels of asylum support for lone parents, because of these cuts children are going without food and adequate clothing.
Ministers are making a decision on this in February – so please send an email now.
Facts about children seeking asylum
- Most asylum seekers are living in poverty and experience poor health and hunger.
- Children from asylum seeking families usually make a good contribution to their schools and are highly motivated.
- The UK does not take more than its ‘fair share’ of asylum seekers.
Barnardo’s projects
Barnardo’s projects work with asylum seeking families while they are going through the asylum process. For example:
- We run fostering projects for children and young people who arrive here on their own.
- We help children get the health care and schooling they need while they are in the UK.
- We support the parents to do the best they can for their children and offer them a place where they can meet each other.
- We offer practical support, with finding an interpreter, donations of clothes and food and advice on financial assistance.
