When you first arrive in the UK, you will be given a Social Worker. They will spend some time with you and make sure you are happy with the way you are being cared for. They will support you during asylum interviews and assessments and help you with the asylum process. If you need extra help, like counselling, from other people or organisations, they will help you get this.
You will also have a Care Plan that sets out your needs and how these will be met.
Find out more about the role of Social Worker here.
Find out more about your Care Plan here.
Your Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) is in charge of checking your case. They must make sure that Kent County Council is doing what it is supposed to do for you while you’re in care, make sure that where you live is right for you and that you are happy. They lead your Child in Care review meetings which check your care plan is working and make sure everyone, including you, has a say in the plans for your future. Once decisions have been made, they make sure they are carried out. It is important that your needs as an asylum seeker or refugee are thought about and they make sure this happens.
Find out more about the role of IRO here.
The designated teacher at your school is there to make sure you settle in well and are getting the support you need in class to do your best.
Find out more about the role of the designated teacher here.
The Refugee Council
The Children’s Section works with children across England. They can help you understand the asylum process.
Find out how the Refugee Council can support you.
Migrant Help
This website gives advice about how to claim asylum and the asylum process.
Visit the Migrant Help website.
It also includes translated information.
Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN)
This is an educational and youth based centre offering support to young unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees.
Find out how KRAN can support you.
To go, a referral must be made through your social worker.
Coram Voice Children’s Legal Centre
They offer a one-to-one advice line with a solicitor on all issues affecting migrant, asylum-seeking and refugee children and young people, whether you are separated or with your family.
Visit the Coran Voice website and access advice about issues affecting asylum seeking Young People.
The Red Cross
The Red Cross can help you find missing relatives abroad through their international family tracing service.
Find out how the Red Cross can support you with tracing missing relatives abroad.
If you are under 18 and arrive in the country by yourself with no one to look after you, you will be cared for by a local authority.