Asylum (UASC)
Frontline experience
The number of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) arriving in the UK has surged in recent years. This influx presents significant legal and logistical challenges, as local authorities are required to provide immediate and long-term care while navigating a complex area of the law.
We have more than a decade of experience in acting for one of the UK’s largest local authorities, advising on their duties relating to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) and families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF). We have successfully defended legal challenges related to age assessments, care provision, and the withdrawal of support.
Expert legal guidance
Timely legal advice helps prevent costly mistakes that can arise from misunderstandings of the law. It also protects the local authority and the children involved from the repercussions of non-compliance
As a former in-house legal team, we have unique insight into how local authorities work and the pressures faced by children and legal teams. We understand the challenges you face in remaining compliant and fulfilling your statutory obligations, all whilst demonstrating continual service improvement. Our experience allows us to identify issues and address them quickly, saving you time, money, and further legal complications.
How can we help?
Age Assessments
Support and direction in adopting a lawful practice on age assessments. In legal challenges, we provide step by step advice and representation in Judicial Review proceedings involving determinations on age.
HRA Assessments
Conducting quality assurance reviews for draft Human Rights Act assessments. In legal challenges, we provide advice and representation in Judicial Review proceedings.
Leaving Care
Advice on the statutory obligations a Local Authority has for UASC who are former relevant children.
Legislative Changes
Keeping you informed on legislative and case law changes, and how they will affect your practice.
NRPF
Advice on Children Act duties relating to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Pathway Plans
Advice on who should conduct a pathway plan and what it should contain including triple track planning. Carrying out quality assurance on draft plans to avoid legal challenges.
Pre Action Letters and Judicial Reviews
Responding to urgent pre-action judicial review letters in order to avoid expensive and time consuming legal proceedings relating to UASC and NRPF cases. We have a high success rate in defending Judicial Reviews.
UASC
Advice on Children Act duties relating to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) and Care Leavers.
Triple Planning
Advising on dual or triple planning perspectives and the best course of action to be adopted on a case-by-case basis.
Training
Training programmes for Children Service teams on a variety of asylum-related subjects, including Children Act duties to UASC; HRA assessments; age assessments; responding to urgent referrals from adult hotels.
Our team
