Support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
As Kent is so close to mainland Europe, we regularly need to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children who arrive in the UK after crossing the Channel. They arrive inside vehicles travelling by ferry or Eurotunnel, or by boats operated by organised criminal gangs. Every child is different and they can be from anywhere in the world, but many are boys from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Eritrea and Sudan.
Keeping children safe
Children are separated from their families and experience extremely challenging journeys to the UK, which can affect their physical and emotional health. Our teams of social workers and reception centre staff care for and protect the children from the moment they arrive in Kent until they can move to a more permanent home and other services.
Most are placed with another local authority under the National Transfer Scheme, but some children remain with us where they are looked after by our Child in Care and 18 Plus services.
Our roles
Every member of our team plays their part in keeping Kent children safe. Find out more about our roles:
