Comment on Scientific Advisory Committee report on age...

13 Jan 2023 in Safeguarding and Child Protection > Asylum >

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Commenting on the Home Office Office’s Scientific Advisory Committee report on age assessments, ADCS President Steve Crocker said:

“Children’s health, safety and welfare as well as their best interests must be at the heart of any decision made about their future, particularly where they arrive alone in this country and rely on our support. Age assessments aren’t an exact science and the report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on the use of biological methods to assist this process outlines the complexities in the process. Social work-led age assessments are specialist work and the Committee notes that the use of medical or biological methods are no panacea, instead they can be used in times of uncertainty or dispute. ADCS is clear that any decisions made must be driven by a child-centric approach and are timely. This should be reflected in resources being directed towards developing practice and sharing tools to assist all practitioners in providing children arriving in this country with the support to meet their needs and welfare.”

ENDS