We support separated young people who are recognised by the Home Office as refugees seeking asylum and those who have been granted leave to remain in the UK.
As a child looked after and care leaver you will have the same support from Herefordshire as other care leavers while your asylum claim is processed, and a decision is made about your status.
You will be provided with a social worker and personal advisor who will help find you the right home to live in that meets your needs. We have young people who live in foster families and some young people are supported to live in supported accommodation with support workers who help prepare you for living with greater independence.
You will receive support from the Virtual School to access education opportunities local to your home and additional support to help improve your English. This often is the way to enable you access to higher level educational courses. You will also receive support to access health services such as the dentist and doctor who will review your health and check whether you have any urgent health issues which need treatment.
When you arrive, you will be given a welcome pack and will be introduced to the United Friends Group, which is made up of other separated young people who are supported by Herefordshire Council.
Your social worker will help you to find a solicitor to begin your asylum claim and then progress tasks such as gaining your ARC Card and helping you with the interview process with the Home Office.
While you can't work, we will provide you with financial support and explain all of your rights and entitlements in a Pathway Plan. Your social worker will explain to you what the outcomes for you could be if you are granted asylum and if you are not.
You will have access to an interpreter, and we will support you to access IT equipment to complete your educational studies, training and to look for work if you are granted leave to remain.
If you become "appeal rights exhausted" (ARE) then you become ineligible for leaving care support (Schedule 3 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002). We will only be able to support you to the extent necessary to avoid breaching your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. Your social worker or personal advisor will complete an assessment to see what support we can provide for you.
You are likely to be eligible for practical and financial assistance and support in returning to your home country from the Voluntary Returns Service, run by the Home Office.