The LGA UASC Reform Steering Group

Terms of Reference

 

Purpose of the Steering Group

The Steering Group has been established to proactively shape the agenda and develop its own models for supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC).

 

Local government has a central role to play in the development of this agenda as the agency charged with the legal duty of supporting and developing looked after children.  The issues which currently impact upon that duty must be appropriately addressed and adequately funded.

 

It was agreed that a small multi-stakeholder steering group be set to focus upon these reforms and develop a local government-led package of support which could be presented to the Home Office.

The Group will contain ADASS, ADCS, COSLA, LGA, London Councils, WLGA, representatives from regional groups and Local Authorities and informed by contributions from the Third Sector.  

 

 

Terms of Reference

·                To proactively engage with the proposed Home Office UASC Reform.

·                To facilitate the sharing and co-ordination of stakeholder experience and practice.

·                To gather appropriate data associated with supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

·                To provide a sector led, strategic overview of UASC reform, with a particular focus on providing further clarity on the implementation and development of the reform programme to the sector.

·                To look at reform in the broadest sense, including looking at the impacts on wider issues such as cohesion, health, education and the interface with other government departments.

·                To work with UKBA develop a co-ordinated national framework for supporting unaccompanied asylum seeking children which is firmly grounded in the key childcare principles of ‘Every Child Matters’ and operational expertise.