Fresh guidelines for social workers supporting asylum seekers in Scotland
New guidance follows concerns that refugees here aren't getting the services and benefits they're entitled to.
Fresh guidelines have been drawn up to help social workers cope with supporting vulnerable asylum seekers in Scotland.
Unison Scotland and the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) have published a new legal guide to help ensure asylum seekers and refugees get the services they are entitled to.
The organisations said it was concerning that many vulnerable children do not get the support they need, particularly those who arrive illegally, whether through their own efforts or by trafficking.
Stephen Smellie, convener of Unison's social work committee, said: It is increasingly common for social workers across Scotland to have to intervene in the lives of asylum seekers and their children, who have come to this country from devastated areas of the world.
For many social workers this is a complex legal framework which is new to them. It can be distressing to be caring for such vulnerable children who are denied the vital support they need.
The guide we are launching today provides general guidance, signposts and more detailed information sources.
It will give social workers more confidence that they are doing the right thing, especially for vulnerable asylum seeker children.
It will be a useful tool for negotiating with employers to ensure that the right resources are put in place, including awareness training and staffing.''
Emily Galloway, communications and policy officer at SASW, said: It's really important that our social workers are fully informed about relevant legislation and people's rights in all situations.''
The guide is focused on asylum seekers, refugees from Syria who are being relocated in Scotland and migrants from EU countries, who face uncertainties as well as increases in racism and hate crime.
end