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Southwark pledges to support children in care with immigration needs

5 March 2024

  • One in 10 children in care need immigration support in England
  • Without it, they face huge uncertainty with many missing out on important rights and services
  • Southwark Council has pledged to help these children so they can build stable, independent lives after being in their care

Southwark Council is proud to be one of the first councils to sign the immigration support pledge for their children in care and care leavers.

Cllr Ali with the Corporate Parenting Committee in Tooley Street atrium

At least one in every 10 children in care and more than 10,000 young care leavers in England have unresolved immigration or citizenship issues. This can undermine the benefits and support a child might otherwise receive from being in care.

Resolving immigration or citizenship issues early means young people can lead full lives. Otherwise they may face unnecessary complications with everyday things. From applying for jobs, university, scholarships, grants, or student loans, to setting up a bank account, getting a driving licence or renting a home.

The immigration support pledge is endorsed by organisations such as South London Refugee Association (SLRA) and Coram Children’s Legal Centre.

The council has now committed to:

  • identify all looked-after children and care leavers with immigration and nationality issues
  • connect looked-after children and care leavers with good quality legal support as soon as possible
  • take a proactive and informed role in supporting looked after children and care leavers through any immigration applications and appeals
  • enable those who are eligible to apply for permanent status and British citizenship.

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Refugees, said: “We have heard directly from children in our care with immigration needs who say it's like a cloud of uncertainty impacting all aspects of their life. They say their mental health suffers as they feel worried all the time and like they do not belong.

“We want only the best for all our children in care and care leavers, so we always act in their best interests. For children with immigration needs, we have a duty to help them get the best legal status possible to secure their future and their rights. That’s why we are building upon the excellent work already happening in Southwark by proudly signing the immigration support pledge.”

Early intervention is also cost-effective for local councils – more than £130,000 per child in some scenarios. By not addressing immigration early, care leavers are not then entitled to student finance, right to work, mainstream benefits, and support with housing. These costs then need to be met by the local councils to provide housing and the equivalent financial support to benefits. 

Page last updated: 05 March 2024

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