Barnardo's 'Reaches Out' To Asylum Families

Children's charity Barnardo's will provide support and accommodation to migrants who have no right to be in the UK.

As a last resort families who have refused to leave the country voluntarily following a decision by the UK Border Agency will stay in purpose built accommodation.

This will normally be limited to a 72 hour period, with a maximum possible stay of one week and during that time charity workers will help the family prepare for their return.

Barnardo's involvement is part of a new child-focused approach to returning families home by the UK Border Agency.

The Deputy Prime Minister announced the closure of Yarl's Wood to children and an end to the detention of children for immigration purposes in December last year.

Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “I am very pleased that Barnardo's have agreed to provide welfare, safeguarding and support services for families at our new pre-departure accommodation.

"It is crucial that the welfare of children remains an absolute priority during the returns process and the use of this new accommodation will be a last resort. It will however have an entirely different look and feel to an immigration removal centre with a high degree of privacy for each family.

"I believe our new approach is both fair and humane. We are providing assistance packages and family conferences to ensure families understand their options, and will be trying to ensure that families can remain in the community prior to their departure home."

Anne Marie Carrie, the Barnardo's Chief Executive, added: "The closure of the family centre at Yarl's Wood was for us a big prize. There will be some who say, 'Why would Barnardo's be involved with this?' But I cannot think of any child or family who is more vulnerable than in that very stressful last 48 to 72 hours before they have to leave this country."

(BMcN/GK)