Journey
From
the decision to leave and throughout the child’s migration, the child might
experience many situations where she or he has little control over what is
happening. The decision to leave, the destination and the specifics of the
journey might have been determined by family members, the available resources
and opportunities. During travel, the child might depend on others and some
decisions might be under the control of accompanying persons or smugglers. When
in contact with state authorities in countries of transit, at borders and in
the place of arrival, the child might feel disempowered within the closely determined
pathway of the referral and asylum reception system.
The
feeling of losing control can have an alienating and unsettling effect.
Professionals and officials who interact with the child in points of transit or
destination need to be sensitive to the psycho-social impact of these
circumstances on the child.
The
child might find it reassuring to become aware of areas where they maintain
control, especially in a context that is strongly determined by the authority
of others, and where this authority is invading many aspects of the child’s
life.
It
might be useful for the child to reflect upon the personal story and how it has
evolved as this could help to ‘construct’ the own identity and personality.
Accepting the past as part of the own story, including moments where the
child’s life appeared to get out of control, can help the child to gradually
re-gain a sense of control in the present and with regard to changes that may
happen in the future. Professionals and officials working with and for children
on the move can help children in this process.
Orientations
for professionals working with unaccompanied children:
- Support the child in acquiring
tools and methods for keeping calm and in control of her or his life, even in
difficult situations.
- Talk to children about
identity documents and what they mean to the child. Provide them with
information about the importance of these documents, who is authorised to check
or take them, and what it means for the child to be with or without documents.
- Explore with the child
the possibility to remain in touch with a trusted person who can act as a point
of reference, give advice and guidance, even from a distance.
Literature:
Family and Childcare Centre
(KMOP), Defence for Children International –
Italy (2015), ‘Travel’, in: Resiland
, Participation,
capacities and resilience of children on the move against trafficking and
exploitation, Orientations for professionals and officials working with and for
children on the move, Athens, pp. 26-28.