Initial health assessments for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: advice and good practice

There were 3,762 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in the UK in 2021. UASC often have significant physical and mental health needs. They suffer from conditions linked to extreme poverty, such as malnutrition and tuberculosis. The proportion of UASC with complications related to their vision, dental health, skin, sleep, and mental health is high. They are also at increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including blood-borne infections. UASC become ‘looked after’ by their local authorities and therefore should have Initial Health Assessments (IHAs) in the same way as other children also in the care of their local authorities.
Source: Paediatrics and Child Health - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Symposium: Safeguarding Source Type: research