Written question asked by Lisa Nandy (Labour) on Thursday, 13 April 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 April 2017. It was answered by Baroness Blackwood of North Oxford (Conservative) on Monday, 24 April 2017 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Mental Health Services: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what specialist mental health support is provided to unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK.

Answer: Unaccompanied asylum seeking children are entitled to the same rights as other looked-after children and young people, including access to National Health Service mental health services. Care of unaccompanied and trafficked children - Statutory guidance for local authorities on the care of unaccompanied asylum seeking and trafficked children. July 2014 states that needs-assessment must be made with reference to the child’s specific needs as an unaccompanied or trafficked child, including ascertaining any particular psychological or emotional impact of experiences as an unaccompanied or trafficked child. As for any looked after child, a health plan should be produced as part of their overall care plan, including detail of how these psychological issues will be addressed.

Secondary information