Separated Children

Who are 'separated children'?

'Separated children' are children under 18 years of age who are outside their country of origin and separated from both parents, or previous/legal customary primary care giver.

Some children are totally alone, while others may be living with extended family members or other adults. As such, some may appear to be 'accompanied' but the accompanying adults are not necessarily able or suitable to assume responsibility for their care. This concept recognises that children suffer physically, socially and psychologically as a result of being without the care and protection of their parents or previous primary care giver(s).

Separated children may be seeking asylum because of fear of persecution or lack of protection due to human rights violations, armed conflict or disturbances in their own country. They may be victims of trafficking for sexual or other exploitation, or they may have travelled to Europe to escape conditions of serious deprivation. Many of them have experienced terrifying events or conditions of severe hardship.