Asylum (UASC)
We advise local authorities on their duties relating to UASC and support them in defending legal challenges to age assessments, care provision and withdrawal of support
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Local authorities are facing challenging times dealing with increasing numbers of asylum seekers including Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and the legal issues that can come with supporting them.
The treatment and support of asylum seekers entering the UK is under increasing scrutiny from refugee non-governmental organisations and private community care law firms, as well as the government and public. Cases need to be resolved swiftly and with expertise to avoid escalating problems and expensive legal proceedings.
Our Kent-based team has over 12 years of unparalleled, front line expertise in acting for local authorities. We have been at the forefront of case law relating to age assessments and matters relating to UASC.
We advise local authorities on their duties relating to UASC and support them in defending legal challenges to age assessments, care provision, and withdrawal of support. We also provide advice and support to local authorities dealing with families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).
Meet the team
Areas of expertise
- Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC)
- No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)
- Human Rights Act (HRA)
- Age Assessments
- Triple Planning
- Leaving Care
Our expertise
- UASC: Children Act duties relating to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and Care Leavers (UASC)
- NRPF: Children Act duties relating to families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF)
- 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
- Triple Planning: Advising on dual or triple planning perspectives and the best course of action to be adopted on a case-by-case basis
- Leaving Care: Advice on the statutory obligations the Local Authority has to UASC who are former relevant children
- HRA: Conducting quality assurance reviews for draft Human Rights Act assessments. In legal challenges, we provide advice and representation in Judicial Review proceedings
- 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
- Legislative Changes: Keeping you informed on legislative and case law changes, and how they will affect your practice
- Training: Bespoke training can be arranged for your local authority on a variety of asylum related subjects, followed by back up support and advice
Carmel Maher
Senior Solicitor
Carmel is passionate about providing expert legal support in emotive cases to local authorities who support UASC
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Tricia Lawlor
Senior Legal Assistant
Tricia understands the important of identifying issues from the outset and addressing them early on to save clients time, money and further legal problems later down the line.
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Erica Ffrench
Principal Solicitor
Erica uses her wealth of adult social welfare expertise to provide indispensable legal advice to clients.
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Harry Johnston-Sluka
Solicitor
Harry is commended by clients for his helpful and responsive approach to legal advice.
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Maria Martin
Senior Legal Assistant
Maria is passionate about providing support to clients and the Community Care group.
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Chair of School Governors
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Private Sector Town Planning & Development Consultancy
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Kent Fire and Rescue Service
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Kent Fire and Rescue Service
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