Legal aid for children on their own.
Asylum, immigration and citizenship cases for children on their own, worked hand in hand with their social worker, foster carer or guardian.
Before you start
A child alone in a new country cannot find their way through the asylum system by themselves. Steps missed now can shape the rest of their life.
Is this you?
- Children under 18 in the UK without a parent or guardian (unaccompanied asylum-seeking children).
- Social workers, personal advisers, foster carers and key workers looking after them.
- Young people approaching 18, or care leavers whose status needs sorting.
How we help
We take the child's account gently, over more than one meeting if needed, with an interpreter they are comfortable with and their responsible adult present. We prepare them for interview in a way that suits their age. We work with the local authority on evidence, on age assessment disputes and on the move to leaving care. After a grant, we help with the next applications, including British citizenship registration.
What happens
- Referral. The social worker or carer refers through the form. Children can also contact us themselves.
- First meeting. With the child's responsible adult present. We explain who we are and what happens next, in words the child understands.
- The statement and evidence. Built over time, at the child's pace.
- Interview. We prepare the child and attend where the case allows.
- Decision and next steps. Grant, refusal or appeal, and planning ahead for 18.
What to bring
Any Home Office letters, the child's reference number, any age assessment, and the care plan if you can share it. Gaps are fine.
Is it covered by legal aid?
Asylum claims are covered. For children on their own, most other immigration and citizenship applications are covered too. We check the child's eligibility at the start. Who qualifies
How long it takes
It varies. We agree a plan with the social worker and update both of you at each stage.
Who handles your case
One named, Law Society accredited caseworker runs your case from the first meeting to the decision, supervised by a senior accredited supervisor. We arrange qualified interpreters. Tell us your language and dialect. Caseworkers on children's cases hold enhanced DBS checks.
On legal aid cases, we will never ask you for money. What you tell us stays confidential; we never share your story without your consent, except where the law requires it.
Common questions
Can a social worker or foster carer make the referral?
Yes. Use the form and choose "Local authority or professional". With the child's consent we keep you updated.
What if the child's age is disputed?
Tell us at the start. An age dispute affects how the claim is handled, and we work with you on challenging an assessment that may be wrong.
What happens at 18?
We plan ahead with the young person and their personal adviser, so their status and any applications are in order before and after they turn 18.
“With the right adults around them, a separated child can be safe, settled and planning a future here.”
Free help. Full effort.
Tell us what is happening. We check legal aid first and tell you plainly.