Terms & Definitions

Separated Children
Separated children are defined in the ‘Separated Children in Europe Programme’ as “children under 18 years of age who are outside their country of origin and separated from both parents, or their legal/customary primary caregiver”. Some children are totally alone while others, who are also the concern of the SCE (Separated Children in Europe) project, may be living with extended family members. All such children are separated children and entitled to international protection under a broad range of international and regional instruments. Separated children may be seeking asylum because of fear of persecution or the lack of protection due to human rights violations, armed conflict or disturbances in their own country. They may be the victims of trafficking for sexual or other exploitation, or they may have travelled to Europe to escape conditions of serious deprivation.
SCEP Statement of Good Practice (2nd Edition), October 2000

Until relatively recently, ‘‘unaccompanied children” or ‘‘Unaccompanied minors” have been the main terms used to describe children who have fled from their countries of origin without their parents. As many children undertake their journeys accompanied by other members of their families or family friends, the term ‘‘separated children” has begun to be accepted as more appropriate. This change of terminology widens the definition to include these children who might arrive with family members or other potential customary caregivers, who were not previously their primary caretakers. The widening of the definition creates a clearer focus on the key issue of children’s separation from their parents or prior primary caregiver.

Unaccompanied Minor
A young person who arrived in the UK without a parent, guardian or other person of parental responsibility who has submitted an application for asylum, or who has been granted temporary admission, or time-limited stay, or who has been granted Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK, or who has been granted Refugee status. Also referred to as Separated children

Personal Adviser  
A person allocated to an individual service user who is the main person responsible for their day to day support and care. The PA will co-ordinate provision of support and assistance to meet their needs. Particular emphasis will be placed on helping the young person into education, training or employment.

Care Leaver
A care leaver is a young person aged 18 or over who has been looked after by Social Services under the age of 18. At they age of 18 they will continue to be supported by Social Services Leaving Care Team, with duties and responsibilities as outlined in the Children (Leaving Care) Act (2001).

Back to top