The article provides a brief overview of criticism leveled at social service response to unaccompanied minors. It then focuses on three areas of policy and practice in the social services response to unaccompanied children: the referral and assessment process, the use of the child welfare legislative framework, and issues arising from the provision of placements and other support. The article maintains that the research shows that there is cause for concern regarding care and support of these children, and whether or not it is sufficient. The article suggests though, that in reality, the current literature suggests that very little is known about the social work response, and that further research is needed to build on the knowledge now available in order to find out more, and to implement relevant policy and practice.
