Analyzes the challenges facing separated children in the United Kingdom (UK), particularly in England, where most of the children live, and suggests ways in which the current situation can be improved. The report compares the relevant legislative climate in the UK and Europe; defines separated children; highlights principles of good practice regarding separated children and examines the UK’s record on such measures as best interests of the child, nondiscrimination, biculturalism, confidentiality, inter-organizational cooperation, staff training, and durability and timeliness of services; discusses particular areas of concern, including care of separated children, trafficking of children, asylum procedures, detention of separated children, family tracing, contact, and reunification, and guardianship for separated children; and identifies obstacles to and opportunities for realizing the rights of separated children in the UK. The report recommends that children who are smuggled or trafficked should be treated as victims, not criminals, and given rehabilitative support; legal representation for children should be provided by accredited specialists experienced in working with children; the best interests of the child should be paramount in decisions regarding return or contact with his or her community of origin; and detention should never be used in any immigration-related matter concerning separated children.
