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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. Dawson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are made by local authorities, in which (a) Heathrow airport, (b) Gatwick airport, (c) Manchester airport and (d) the Port of Dover are situated, to provide services for (i) unaccompanied children seeking asylum and (ii) children who are being trafficked. [109311] Jacqui Smith: When a child enters the country alone and claims asylum, Immigration Services refer him/her immediately to the relevant local authority's social services department. The social services department will undertake a needs assessment according to the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families and will provide services accordingly. These services should be tailored to the individual needs of the child, just as they should be for any child in need. The provision of assistance and support to child victims of trafficking should be provided by local statutory services in response to identified needs, whether directly or through specialist agencies. Child victims of trafficking are likely to be in need of welfare services and, in many cases, protection under the Children Act 1989. Social services have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of these children following an assessment of their circumstances.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

109311; 404 c262W;404 c261-2W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Children Asylum Airports Human trafficking Protection Ports Social services

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk