Guardianship Wheels
Systemic Resource Center

Level 6 |
Promoting the rights and the best interests of the child

First assistance

First assistance

When unaccompanied children have the first contact with state authorities in the country of arrival, they are usually referred to first assistance, ensuring that the basic needs of the child are met, such as shelter, food and, where applicable, first aid or medical care. First assistance is usually provided as a temporary measure to ensure the child’s primary needs are met while the child’s identity is established and registered. First assistance is provided as an initial step in the reception system for unaccompanied children, and subsequently the child is referred to further assistance and care.

A guardian has to be appointed promptly upon the child’s first contact in the country of arrival. The guardian supports the child throughout all steps and phases of the reception process. During first assistance, the guardian ensures the child’s safety and access to basic services and supports the child in relation to identification, registration and further referrals.

See also:

Level 3: Arrival

References:

EU training and learning platform for guardians of unaccompanied children Chapte r3: Supporting the child from arrival to durable solution

Literature:


European Asylum Support Office (2018), EASO Guidance on reception conditions for unaccompanied children: operational standards and indicators, EASO Practical Guides Series , Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.

FRA (European Agency for Fundamental Rights) (2014), Guardianship for children deprived of parental care, A handbook to reinforce guardianship systems to cater for the specific needs of child victims of trafficking, Luxembourg, Publications Office of the European Union (Publications Office).

Explore more on level 9: