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This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Social Workers conducting age assessments of young people claiming asylum. (Liverpool 25/05/09)'.

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Enquiries to: Wendy Twigge

Your Ref: 62420

Our Ref: FOI/WT/6420

Ms J Cassidy

Date: 10 June 2009

Dear Ms Cassidy,

Freedom of Information Request 62420

I refer to your request made under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000 in which you requested information regarding the conduction of age assessments carried out on young people claiming asylum.

I have outlined your questions with the responses following

  1. Are Age Assessments (AA) are always conducted by at least two social workers?

When conducting AA the combination is either two social workers or a social worker and a support worker. All permanent staff within Liverpool's Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children team have completed AA training.

  1. If they are not always conducted by at least two social workers, can you provide information that explains this apparent anomaly and provide details of the job titles of those who currently conduct age assessments.

Please refer to the answer given to question 1

  1. Since 01 April 2005 have you always used at least two social workers?

Please refer to the answer given to question 1. I can confirm that all social workers employed within Liverpool's UASC Team are General Social Care Council (GSCC) registered

  1. If you have not always used two Social Workers, since 01 April 2005, please provide details of the job titles of those who currently conduct age assessments.

Please refer to the answer given to question 1.

  1. During a court case Helen Johnson, Refugee Council's Children's Panel, questioned the assertion by a Ms Janet Patrick, senior manager of the Croydon Council's Unaccompanied Minors' Team, that Council's are routinely advising applicants that they can have an adult present to give support during their age assessment.

Therefore can you provide copies of any information you hold, such as policies, memos, notes and guidance, (showing dates issued/written/drafted) as given to social workers, the applicants or anyone else, that confirms or denies that applicants are routinely advised that they can have an adult present to give support.

Liverpool Children's Services do not routinely invite the applicant to have an adult present when conducting an AA. However if the applicant requests a third party to be present this request is agreed to and has been done in the past.

  1. Please provide copies of any age assessment guidance or training material you hold.

AA document attached.

Please find attached a copy of the age assessment training document. Please be aware that the copyright of this document remains the property of Liverpool John Moored University and any publication or dissemination of this document should be negotiated prior to publication with the University.

I trust this information satisfies your enquiry.

Yours sincerely

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W Twigge (pp)

Information Manager

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Liverpool City Council

Wendy Twigge Information Manager Legal Services

Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2DH

tel: 0151 225 3132 fax: 0151 225 2392 email: [email address]

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