Unaccompanied Children Programme

The terms unaccompanied minors, unaccompanied children, child migrants, child immigrants, unaccompanied migrant children, and juvenile immigrants are often used interchangeably and generally refer to immigrants who are under the age of 18 years and are not under the care of a parent or legal guardian. This includes children fleeing violence or unrest, seeking work, or who are victims of trafficking.

The number of unaccompanied children who may be entering the UK

Central government have asked all local authorities to consider whether they are prepared to accept unaccompanied children on a voluntary dispersal basis from Kent County Council.

Cheshire East Cabinet agreed to support this programme and initially welcomed three unaccompanied children from Syria in June followed by a further three children who have all been placed into accommodation within the Borough. However with two motorway service stations and a large railway junction in the borough there will be a steady number of unaccompanied children who have made it into the area independently.

For many years Councils across the country have cared for unaccompanied children, including the longer term responsibilities for these children once they transition to being care leavers.