Practitioner Points
- Consider the independence of CYP and their ability to be able to manage in the community without support. This does not mean that they do not need services, but that they are accessing mainstream services as any CYP resident in the country would be able.
- Review with CYP their plans and wishes for the future, and work with them on a plan on how to achieve these objectives/next steps. This includes ensuring that CYP's views are included in decisions made.
- Work with CYP to develop personal safety plans to avoid risky migration and to ensure safeguarding. This involves helping CYP to identify safe and unsafe behaviours and situations, and where they can access support/report concerns.
- Make referrals for any ongoing support that may be required, such as specialised mental health services, in a timely way to ensure there is no gap in services when CYP age out.
Resources
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Guidance for policy makers and practitioners on regularisation mechanisms for people transitioning into adulthood
PICUM (2024)
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Turning 18 and undocumented: Supporting children in their transition into adulthood
PICUM (2022)
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Stepping up: a collection of projects and practices helping migrant children transition into adulthood
PICUM (2024)
Click here to openPractical Application Examples
Zampa Law, Italy
In March 2017, Italy became the first European country to legislate a comprehensive framework protecting unaccompanied children, the 'Provisions on protective measures for unaccompanied foreign minors', referred to as the 'Zampa' law.
Hailed by UNICEF as a model for other European countries and described by Save the Children as the "most elaborate system for child protection in Europe", the Zampa law articles create and amend various procedures relating to the reception and treatment of unaccompanied children in Italy, and guarantee them a minimum level of care. Importantly, the law reflects several fundamental rights from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including rights to health care and education, legal representation, and to be heard during judicial and administrative proceedings. It also incorporates the best interests of the child principle.
The law recognises the special vulnerabilities of unaccompanied children and guarantees them the same rights and protection afforded to Italian and other European children.
It introduces an absolute prohibition on the return or removal of any unaccompanied child from Italy, unless ordered by a court in exceptional circumstances. Facilities must meet minimum standards to ensure the child is adequately accommodated and their fundamental rights protected. After 30 days children should be transferred to secondary centres within Italy's System for the Protection of Asylum Seekers and Refugees (SPRAR).
Additionally, the law provides that unaccompanied children must have access to the Italian National Health Service during their time in Italy, and be admitted to educational institutions. They also have a right to be informed about legal representation, which should be provided free of charge, funded by the state. Other articles of the Zampa law amend or introduce procedures regarding family reunification, the provision of residency permits, access to foster care, the training and appointment of guardians, and assistance for victims of human trafficking.