By Spiros Georgiou, Head of Care and Supported Housing (Homelessness & Mental Health)
Today we mark International Migrants Day, an opportunity to reaffirm the need for safer, more inclusive and fairer migration systems in a rapidly changing world.
This year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development”, highlights how human mobility drives growth, enriches societies and helps communities connect, adapt and support one another.
When we’re shining the spotlight on migration to the UK, it’s important to remember that it’s not just adults and families who come to the UK to seek sanctuary; in the year ending June 2025, there were 3,553 asylum claims from unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), representing 3 % of all asylum claims. Over three-quarters (77 %) of UASC were aged 16–171*. These are young people fleeing conflict, persecution and hardship who reached the UK alone with no parent or guardian.
Under the Children Act 1989, local authorities have a statutory duty to assess and, where appropriate, provide accommodation and support for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, because they are children ‘in need’ and have no person with parental responsibility able to care for them. Where a child is accommodated under Section 20 of the Act for more than 24 hours, they become a ‘looked-after child’ and are entitled to the same safeguarding, care planning and support duties as any other looked-after child, regardless of their immigration status. As of 31 March 2025, there were 6,540 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (also referred to as separate migrant children) in care in England, a 12 % drop from the previous year**.
To alleviate pressure on ‘entry’ local authorities – which are typically near major ports and areas with significant immigration facilities – the government has mandated a dispersal programme, the National Transfer Scheme (NTS), whereby unaccompanied children are safely referred to a ‘receiving’ local authority. Most UASCs are aged 16-17 and local authority placements for them tend to reflect this - 38% are placed in foster care and a further 56% are accommodated in supported housing schemes.
In Hertfordshire, Hightown is commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to provide supported housing for up to 28 16–17-year-old UASCs at any one time. Rated ‘excellent’ by HCC, the service provides a safe, stable and nurturing environment with 24/7 specialist support where young migrants can begin to rebuild their lives. The young people have often experienced complex and cumulative trauma which can leave them with heightened support needs and increased safeguarding risks. Dedicated, specialist services such as ours can therefore help to minimise the welfare and safeguarding risks that can arise when young people with very different backgrounds and needs are placed in settings that are not designed to support their specific experiences.
To meet the complex needs of the young people we support, we adopt a person-centred, psychologically and trauma-informed approach, understanding the emotional and psychological experiences of each individual to break down barriers and facilitate their recovery.
One of the hardest challenges for the young people we support is the lengthy and complicated process of applying for asylum; without a trusted adult to explain the process, complex immigration and legal systems are almost impossible to understand, so we work closely with the Refugee Council, who have the specialist knowledge to guide them through.
Aside from the emotional challenges, there are also many practical difficulties to overcome. Our staff empower the young people in our care to develop essential life skills such as cooking and budgeting and support them to access education, learn English and develop social skills.
Most importantly, we go the extra mile to build each young person’s trust; as a result, we see their confidence and ability to live independently grow hugely over time, so that when they move on from the service, they can build a new future in the community they have adopted.
* Source: Home Office accredited official statistics June 2025: How many people claim asylum in the UK? - GOV.UK
** Source: Department for Education: Children looked after in England including adoptions, Reporting year 2025 - Explore education statistics - GOV.UK
