"UNHCR, UNICEF, and IRC established a consultative process to support states to better operationalise their response for the protection of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) in Europe –the Roadmap to Strengthened Policies and Practices.
The process included three consultations with around 100 practitioners (guardians, psychologists, social workers, lawyers, teachers and others) from nearly all European countries involved in the current refugee and migrant crisis, a roundtable with nine European states, consultation with European Union (EU) level actors, and last but not least individual or group discussions with over 50 UASC living in Europe.
The consultative process produced concrete recommendations on a way forward, captured in this paper, for efficient, lean, and harmonized processes which ensure children are protected and can access procedures and solutions in accordance with their best interests."
(Taken from the 'Background and objective of the document' section of the report)
The key considerations identified in this report are the centrality of trust and the necessary ability to form a trustful relationship with the child; guardians, cultural mediators and the youth and children themselves as mediators of change; and key areas of prioritization. The key areas of prioritization are:
- Proper identification, registration in a Europe-wide system, and holistic age assessment procedures.
- Provision of child-friendly information.
- Establishment of a rapid and effective guardianship system, including the engagement of effective cultural mediators.
- Strengthened access to age appropriate and safe care arrangement.
- The engagament of community members.
(Taken from the 'Key considerations' section of the report)