I joined a leaving care team in children's services in June 2009 and the majority of my caseload are refugees: young people whose childhood was disrupted by manmade emergencies to such an extent they were placed in harm's way and sought protection in the UK.
The team supports looked-after children and care leavers from the age of 16 to 21, or if in education up to the age of 25. We support refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people that have been referred by the UK Border Agency through a rota system.
The majority are unaccompanied minors. They were either smuggled or trafficked into the UK, which treats all children equally, irrespective of their immigration status.
Some have been allowed to stay, some have not and some are still in a state of limbo. It is the background of these young people and their hope that enhanced my commitment to their rights, entitlements, and in general to rebuilding their life in the UK.
Each individual refugee or asylum seeker comes with a different story irrespective of their country of origin but all share one goal: to succeed. The determination to make it exists, but what they need is practical guidance, someone to listen and open their heart and their door to them.
My style of supporting these young refugees is simple: listen, give them time, and cut out the bureaucracy. Once this becomes routine, then you gain their trust and a sustainable level of engagement.
Each young refugee arrives with a unique challenge: immigration, education, housing, employment etc. The biggest challenge is accessing services that they may not be entitled to because of their immigration status.
This is where true advocacy comes in: finding pro bono legal services to represent young people at immigration tribunals; convincing college admission boards to admit young people whose asylum applications are outstanding; making sure they extend their leave to remain in good time.
This is where I put a lot of emphasis on practical support for young refugees otherwise they risk removal from the UK. For those who have been allowed to stay, the sky is the limit. My advice to them is: education, education, and more education. This is the surest way of integrating into mainstream UK society and becoming a useful citizen.
Advising these young people of their rights and entitlements and explaining how things work in the UK is also important and gives confidence to young refugees and asylum seekers. I have some who are at universities and some who are doing well in other walks of life. It has not been easy supporting some of them, especially those who are considered "end of line". You share their sorrow, frustration and uncertainty.
They know they have somebody they can talk to if you have sustained a healthy level of engagement. Through these talks, some have decided to go back home voluntarily. One day you are elated as a young refugee joins a university, and the next you find yourself consoling a young refugee who has been declared "appeal rights exhausted". All they need to know sometimes is that you have gone that extra mile for them, and they knowthat from the experience they have had with you and the respect you have shown them.
My experience of working with young refugees and asylum seekers has also made me more patient, kind, and resilient. Some are now British citizens, completing their degrees, working or joining universities. It makes me and my team proud that we had something to do with it. It is hard work but it pays.
the Guardian
