UK detains 76 age-disputed children in adult detention centres
Change
UK detained 76 age-disputed unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in adult detention centres in preparation for forced removal to France since the one in, one out scheme began in September.
Why it matters
Detaining individuals with disputed ages in adult facilities is unlawful for unaccompanied child asylum seekers, so removals cannot lawfully proceed while age remains unresolved. Agencies with safeguarding duties must therefore prioritise age verification and secure child-appropriate accommodation before any transfer is attempted.
Implications
- • Home Office caseworkers handling asylum removals must halt removal processes for anyone whose age is disputed until an independent age assessment confirms adult status, or the transfer will constitute unlawful detention.
- • Detention centre managers must identify any age-disputed individuals and transfer them out of adult accommodation or notify local authority children's services immediately, or those individuals will remain without child-appropriate protections.
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