First contact Registration Identification Accommodation First assistance Age assessment Family tracing Relocation Case assessment Care planning Life project Education and training Work Health care Residence permit Asylum procedure Best interests determination Identification of a durable solution Implementation of a durable solution Family reunification Preventing Immigration detention Turning 18: Leaving care Aftercare Ending guardianship

First contact

The guardian’s support is essential from the moment the state authorities in the country of arrival identify an unaccompanied child until the child turns 18, is reunited with their parents or leaves the country. At first contact, unaccompanied children are usually referred to first assistance and undergo registration.

Guardianship authorities should ensure that guardians are appointed promptly when a child is identified to be unaccompanied. In practice, however, there may be delays in the appointment of a guardian and even further delays before the guardian and the child meet for the first time. Preventing delays is of utmost importance as the guardian’s support is required for the child to access all relevant services and to initiate the procedure for the identification and implementation of a durable solution, including application for a residence permit or international protection. In some countries, it is possible for guardians to meet with the child even before their formal appointment, in the presence of childcare staff and an interpreter, where necessary. In other contexts, temporary guardians are available to support unaccompanied children from the first contact until a permanent guardian has been appointed.

See also:

Level 3: Arrival

References:

EU training and learning platform for guardians of unaccompanied children Chapter 3: 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.

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