Scottish minister hails a charity-run service for unaccompanied child refugees as it sees demand double
A pioneering Scottish programme to help lone child refugees has seen demand for its services double in the last two years.
Equalities minister Angela Constance hailed the success of the Scottish Guardianship Service at a special Mother's Day event, saying it was vital to ensure protection for children and young people arriving in Scotland alone and vulnerable.
“They are in danger of falling through the cracks and we help make sure that does not happen. We will never replace their mums but we will always be there for them" - Catriona MacSween, Scottish Guardianship Service
She said: “In many cases, these vulnerable youngsters have been trafficked, and in most cases, they have endured incredible trauma and hardship.
“On days like today, Mother’s Day, it’s hard to imagine what life is like for these vulnerable children and young people.
“These are children who should grow up in a safe and loving environment but are thrust into the gravest of situations instead.
“The Scottish Guardianship Service is a vital part of ensuring young people are offered refuge, safety and have an opportunity to rebuild their lives."
The guardianship service, also hailed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a recent visit when she met young asylum seekers, offers specialist advice and support to children who have arrived in Scotland alone after fleeing terror abroad or being trafficked here against their will.
The service currently supports 150 children and young people. Each of the children, spread across 20 council areas, has a designated specially-trained guardian to offer practical advice and support.
The number of young people referred to the service has soared by 200 per cent in two years and includes children from 31 countries speaking 34 different languages. Forty per cent have been trafficked, brought to Scotland against their will.
Catriona MacSween, who manages the Scottish Guardianship Service for Aberlour, said young asylum seekers and trafficking victims are at risk of becoming Scotland's hidden children.
She said: “It is hard to imagine what it must be like to arrive alone, in a strange country with no one to turn to and no one to care for you.
“Many of these children have been trafficked, tricked or stolen from their homes and brought here against their will.
“Mother's Day is a time to think about our mums and these young people are so far from their own with none of the support and help from family and friends that we take for granted.
“They are in danger of falling through the cracks and we help make sure that does not happen.
“We will never replace their mums but we will always be there for them.”
