The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help stated that Unaccompanied Child Asylum Seekers (UCAS) were categorised as Looked After Children (LAC), and therefore subject to LAC procedures and policies, such as reviews and regular medicals. She stated that an area’s UCAS population had to be 0.07% of the overall child population, which meant that Thurrock could receive a maximum of 31 UCAS. She added that Thurrock currently had 28 UCAS; 26 boys and 2 girls ranging from age 13 to 17. She stated that when a UCAS turned 18, they were entitled to a LAC plan and other help if they had been living in the UK for more than 13 weeks.

The Chair asked how UCAS came to England and their reasons for travelling. He queried if there was a commonality between UCAS. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help replied that many UCAS came via the ports in Thurrock, which meant that Thurrock was categorised as a receiving authority and had therefore signed-up the national transfer scheme to ensure that the borough did not exceed the maximum numbers of UCAS. She added that some UCAS came via lorries and were deposited at service stations in the borough. She explained that some UCAS did not have any family in their home countries and others had paid money to be brought to the UK, often embarking on a journey that could take many months.

The Assistant Director Adult Social Care and Communities joined the meeting at 7.08pm.

The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help explained that many UCAS feared for their safety in their home countries, as many had come from war-stricken places such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan, and Syria. She summarised and stated that Thurrock had also received children from Ukraine, but these were handled under a different scheme.

Councillor Ralph queried how many UCAS received the Council’s help between the ages of 18-25, and how much this cost the Council. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help replied that she would find this information after the meeting and send to the Committee. She added that after the age of 18 UCAS were classed as adults and many had access to benefits or the right to work, so therefore contributed to the cost of rent and living. Councillor Shinnick asked if the team tried to reunite UCAS with their parents or other family members. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help explained that the team did try to reunite families of UCAS, or tried to help the child contact their family at home. Councillor Chukwu asked how the team integrated UCAS into their local communities. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help explained that the team used interpreters and translated documents so the child could understand what was happening. She explained that UCAS were also enrolled in the appropriate education setting, which helped them improve their English, if English was a second language, and integrate with other local children. She stated that the team also tried to find support within existing communities that were like the child’s background, for example the team reached out to different communities in London for support. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help summarised and stated that the UCAS was provided with legal advice and an advocate that spoke their first language if necessary.

Councillor Abbas questioned if there were currently any missing UCAS. The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help replied that there was currently one missing UCAS in Thurrock. She explained that the team managed missing episodes well by having regular conversations with the child and ensuring they were receiving the right support. She stated that some missing episodes only lasted a few hours, but the team were able to contact the appropriate agencies to ensure the missing child was found.

The Assistant Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help left the meeting at 7.15pm.