Child Trafficking of Separated Children in Scotland A Perspective from the front line: Scottish Guardianship Service Catriona MacSween Service Manager

Scottish Guardianship Service Who are we? A joint partnership project between Aberlour and Scottish Refugee Council We support unaccompanied asylum seeking children and child victims of trafficking National Service History of Service What do we do? Provide a Guardian to each child Three core domains – immigration, welfare, social networks Specialism in immigration, asylum and trafficking Advocacy service

Facts and Figures Supported 156 young people from Sept 2010 (87 open cases) Support young people across Scotland in 13 Local Authorities Working with young people from 24 countries and 29 different languages Average age on arrival % boys versus 29% girls 17% from Vietnam and 15% Afghanistan, 12% Iran, 12% Somalia, 7% Nigeria, 6% China 47% the young people have been age assessed 71% of young people have received Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection

Trafficking statistics Over a third of the young people (55 cases) presented with trafficking indicators Of the 55 young people, 54 are also claiming asylum 58% boys versus 42% girls From Vietnam 51%, China 16%, Nigeria 13%, Somalia 7%, Gambia 5% Types of exploitation include Sexual exploitation(42%), Cannabis cultivation (33%), Forced Labour (25%) and Domestic Servitude (13%) Trafficking decisions to date:  28 positive conclusive grounds  12 negative grounds  3 young people went missing  4 unknown (age disputed and found to be over age 18)  8 awaiting a decision

Who is a Guardian? ‘A Guardian is someone who accompanies children and young people when they claim asylum or are trafficked and are cared for by health, education and welfare services. A Guardian will help a child or young person to be actively involved in decisions that affect their life and to get the help they need, when they need it. A Guardian is on the child’s side, can explain what is happening to them, will listen to their views and experiences and speak up for them when needed. A Guardian will also help a child or young person to plan their future, whether in the UK or elsewhere.’

What are our outcomes? Outcome 1 To ensure that each child has a significantly improved experience of the immigration, asylum, trafficking and welfare processes, evidenced by the child’s informed participation and their receiving services and responses appropriate to their needs and entitlements. We support young people to plan for their future whether it is integration in Scotland or returning to their country of origin. Outcome 2 Deliver a child-centred model of practice that promotes interagency working and provides better information upon which to base decisions (immigration, welfare, criminal justice, age assessment decisions)

Why do young people need a Guardian? Cultural disorientated, bewilderment and confusion Fear Isolation, unaccompanied, need person who they can trust Faced with multiple new legal processes and welfare systems.  Welfare entitlements and Social Work Care  Trafficking identification process  Asylum determination process  Age assessment  Criminal Justice  Credibility A need for Independent Advocacy

I need to stick to the story that I have been told What is trafficking? I still owe my trafficker money Who can I trust? Will anyone believe me? Will the traffickers harm my family? It’s difficult to talk to strangers about what has happened to me I don’t speak English Will I be sent back to my country? What help with I receive? Why do I need to speak to the police? Will anyone care? Am I a victim of trafficking?

Issues affecting Trafficked Young People Escaping the traffickers control Technology can put young people at risk - remove mobile phones, no access to internet/social networks sites until the circumstances has been assessed Do not ‘self identify’ as a victim of trafficking – acceptance of the situation as the norm or unfortunate necessity Belief that no-one can or will do anything about it Time to recover - 45 days recovery and reflection period not sufficient Lack of knowledge of their rights or access to enforcing them Psychologically damaged by their abuser Fear of being sent back to their country of origin Distrustful of authorities Living with uncertainty about their future Timescales of decision making Need to engage in processes due to immigration status – Child first, Immigration status second (but not in practice) Criminalisation, Age Disputed, Identity Disputed

What is our Approach? Holistic, child centred and rights based Flexible and bespoke approach Secure base & building resilience Asylum/trafficking teachers & sense makers Additional time spent with young people to build relationships built on trust Independent Advocate Responsible adult role Bridging, linking and co- ordinate Contribute to the identification of durable solutions Supporting Agencies Participation groups Tea and toast!

Impact and added value of Guardianship Young people are more engaged in the processes and their views are taken in account in decision which affect their life Long term trusting and supportive relationships - a secure base and consistent point of contact Help young people to access services timeously Increase social capital – reduces isolation, aids integration Help young people to recover, regain their confidence, self-esteem and childhood again Future planning and integration Improved interagency working Improved Home Office decision making Model of good practice

Challenges for the service Training and awareness is patchy First responders – not simply referrers but first stage in wider process of identification Guardians struggle to get information eg. NRM referral content Lack of accountability for ensuring trafficking victims needs are being met Delays in decision making – often due to lack if timely receipt of information from other parties Need for multidisciplinary decision making process Decisions not always made in the young persons best interests Supporting young people facing uncertainty about their future Lack of appropriate accommodation Advocacy versus building relationships Preparing young people for return

Thanks for Listening Call to make a referral or A Guardian is on their side, by their side as they arrive, stay or leave