‘She endures with me’ An evaluation of the Scottish Guardianship Service Pilot

All children need to feel safe, but unaccompanied asylum seeking children in particular need to feel safe, cared for and listened to. These are children who come to Scotland, often in the most difficult circumstances and we need to make sure that we care for them in the most appropriate way that meets their needs.
I want Scotland to be the best place to grow up for all children, wherever they were born. Our shared commitment to strive for the best will help all our children and young people to realise their potential which will help us to realise Scotland’s potential.
The Scottish Guardianship Service is in my view fundamental in helping unaccompanied children and young people to be heard and realise their individual potential. This independent service is there to help unaccompanied asylum seeking children understand what is happening in their lives, and to knit together the support services that currently exist. The guardians help ensure that suitable arrangements are made for accommodation and education, explain the asylum system, and work alongside each person throughout the process.
By working intensively with each young person, the guardians also make sure that the young person’s voice is heard within various complex social and legal systems. They aid the information flow between all the professionals involved, provide specialist information and guidance to professionals where necessary, and help ensure both that the young person is able to fully partake in their asylum claim and that decision makers have due regard to the young person’s welfare and safeguarding needs. These elements combined make sure that we are Getting It Right for Every Child – Scotland’s approach to improving outcomes for all our children.