Separated children seeking asylum are defined as “children under eighteen years of age who are outside their country of origin, who have applied for asylum and are separated from their parents or their legal/customary care giver”.

Separated children seeking asylum are a relatively new phenomenon to Ireland with the first separated child arriving in Ireland for the purpose of seeking asylum being identified in 1996. Many of these children may have high levels of vulnerability and have experienced gross trauma. Many face problems and challenges on issues including separation and bereavement from family and friends, social isolation, language barriers, emotional and mental health problems, discrimination and racism. In addition they have to live with the anxiety of possible removal from the country or uncertainty as to their future.

The immediate and ongoing needs of separated children seeking asylum relating to accommodation, medical and social needs as well as their application for refugee status are the responsibility of the HSE in accordance with the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) and the Child Care Act, 1991.

The main responsibilities of the HSE are:

• the decision as to whether it is in the best interests of the child to make an application for asylum
• if so, to support the child through the application process
• to provide for the immediate and ongoing needs and welfare of the child through appropriate placement and links with health, psychological, social and educational services.

To date the vast majority of unaccompanied minors have presented to or been referred to the HSE in the eastern region.  Referrals are received from either Immigration Authorities or the Office of the Refugee Application Commission and services are provided by the Team based in Dublin South East local health office.  Assisting clients with the asylum process and appeals process as appropriate involves all members of the Social Work and Project Work Team. The vast majority of these young people are placed in voluntary care of the HSE under the Child Care Act, 1991.