Legal representatives for children and young people

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This web page is an introduction and does not cover all the issues. For more detailed information and legal guidance, download the full fact sheet at the side and bottom of this page. This web page is correct as of 5 November 2019.

This page provides information on finding a legal representative for migrant and refugee children in England and Wales. See also our information on legal aid and exceptional case funding.

When does a child need a solicitor?

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children

An unaccompanied child seeking asylum will need a legal representative to assist them to make their case for asylum to the Home Office. Under the UK Immigration Rules the Home Office is required to ensure that a child has legal representation and it is recommended that this be done before applying for asylum.  If the child does not have suitable legal representation, the Home Office must notify the Refugee Children’s Panel, who will try to find representation for the child.

Migrant children in care

Looked after children with an immigration or nationality (citizenship) issue were brought fully back into scope of legal aid in October 2019. It will take some time for legal aid providers to be made fully away of this change in eligibility – support workers seeking to refer a separated child for immigration or nationality legal aid should send providers this update from the Legal Aid Agency to make them aware of the change.

It is crucial that children in care receive immigration advice as a matter of priority and that this is considered in any care plan, assessment or pathway plan as a matter of urgency. Children in care are fee-exempt for immigration (but not citizenship) applications only until they turn 18. Some application routes close to children when they turn 18. As such, advice and legal representation should be sought as soon as possible. Obtaining this advice in time is vital to ensure that the child’s best interests are met. Securing legal representation for children and care leavers with immigration claims is not secondary or optional for local authorities: it is critically important to promoting the welfare of the child or young person and forms part of their duties.

Community care matters

Community care law is used to challenge local authority decisions which relate to support for a child, including where a child is age disputed, to challenge the educational provision for a separated child, or if services are changed or terminated (such as when a young person is leaving care). It is important that children are informed about their right to challenge decisions which affect them and that the child is assisted to obtain representation from a community care lawyer.

A child may also need legal advice or representation for criminal laweducation law, nationality law or family law matters among others.

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