Annual TCRU/Coram Lecture | Supporting the lives and aspirations of children and young people migrating to the UK alone

Every year thousands of children below the age of 18 arrive in the UK to seek asylum without an accompanying adult. Categorised within the system as ‘unaccompanied asylum-seeking children’, they are subjected to often contradictory processes of care and control. Those who turn 18 may become ineligible for social care support and/or be detained and removed to their country of origin. 

Based on research over two decades with many colleagues, Professor Elaine Chase (University College London) will highlight some of the persistent challenges in providing children and young people with the support and resources they require to build safe and fulfilling lives in the UK. Against the backdrop of an increasingly hostile immigration and asylum system, the talk will focus on the embedded disconnects between the realities of young people’s lives and largely unworkable policy responses which frequently undermine their welfare, wellbeing and access to basic social and economic rights. She will argue that it is only through centring the voices and perspectives of young people that we can begin to reframe, design and implement policies and practices which are better aligned with unaccompanied children’s rights and best interests and enable benefits for society as a whole. 

The talk will be followed by responses from Amina Meshnuni and Abdullahi Yusuf, graduates of Coram’s Young Citizens programme, a discussion panel on directions for policy reform, and an audience Q&A. 

Please arrive from 4.45pm. Proceedings will begin at 5.00 and finish by 6.30pm. We welcome you to join us for a drink and light refreshments following the event programme.

Photography and video footage will be taken at this event.