Issues in safeguarding refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people: research and practice

Abstract

In this paper, the author describes and analyses undertaking a pilot study in which refugee or asylum-seeking parents who have been drawn into social work safeguarding children procedures reflect upon their experiences. This study is located within the context of political, policy and social work safeguarding practice developments in the UK which are relevant to refugee and asylum-seeking families. Interviews were undertaken with five refugee and asylum-seeking parents and one carer, three support workers and one social worker, and three conference chairs. Although the sample is small, the findings from the pilot study reveal some significant commonalities between comments from all three groupings, as well as significant differences. These findings will be of interest to refugee and asylum-seeking peoples, support workers, social workers, managers and policymakers and all who are concerned for the wellbeing of refugee and asylum-seeking parents, children and young people.