The authors report on an initiative from the Open University in Northern Ireland which aims to recruit students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds from both sides of the Irish border. Opportunities have been offered to those traditionally excluded from higher education such as people who are unemployed, those in low paid employment, refugees, asylum seekers and other
The authors report on an initiative from the Open University in Northern Ireland which aims to recruit students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds from both sides of the Irish border. Opportunities have been offered to those traditionally excluded from higher education such as people who are unemployed, those in low paid employment, refugees, asylum seekers and other marginalised groups.
Subject terms:
higher education, refugees, social inclusion, unemployment, asylum seekers;
... intimidation. Asylum seekers and refugees experience, in addition, their own particular problems. The report looks at the law in relation to homeless non-UK nationals living in Northern Ireland and considers the policy, practice and responses of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Health and Social Care Trusts and the Social Security Agency. No Home from Home is aimed at raising awareness
No Home from Home is a response to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s concerns about the vulnerability of certain categories of non-UK nationals to destitution. The report examines some of the problems that can arise in the face of the social, cultural and financial challenges associated with moving to a new country: domestic violence, ill-health, disability, exploitation and racial intimidation. Asylum seekers and refugees experience, in addition, their own particular problems. The report looks at the law in relation to homeless non-UK nationals living in Northern Ireland and considers the policy, practice and responses of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Health and Social Care Trusts and the Social Security Agency. No Home from Home is aimed at raising awareness of the complex issues facing some non-UK nationals and the gaps in terms of available assistance for those who become homeless and are excluded from statutory support. The researchers conclude that ultimately the barriers exist because of the way in which UK legislation is currently designed. Many of the recommendations are therefore aimed at the Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Executive. Although it is acknowledged that homelessness and destitution are not the sole remit of any one agency; they each have a role to play in ensuring that all avenues of support are explored.
Subject terms:
immigrants, homelessness, law, refugees, access to services, asylum seekers, government policy;
The report reveals that: the numbers of asylum seekers imprisoned in Northern Ireland has more than doubled; there has been a five-fold increase in the number of female asylum seekers being detained in prison; a total prison bill over two years of between £560,000 and £870,000 for asylum seekers and between £1 and £1.5 million for all immigration detainees. The imminent removal of asylum seekers from Maghaberry to prison facilities at Crumlin Road and Hyde Bank Wood is not a solution to this problem, but a signal of the Government’s current intention to continue with this discredited policy in Northern Ireland.
The report reveals that: the numbers of asylum seekers imprisoned in Northern Ireland has more than doubled; there has been a five-fold increase in the number of female asylum seekers being detained in prison; a total prison bill over two years of between £560,000 and £870,000 for asylum seekers and between £1 and £1.5 million for all immigration detainees. The imminent removal of asylum seekers from Maghaberry to prison facilities at Crumlin Road and Hyde Bank Wood is not a solution to this problem, but a signal of the Government’s current intention to continue with this discredited policy in Northern Ireland.
Child Care in Practice, 10(3), July 2004, pp.241-251.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
This paper evaluates responses to asylum seeker children in Ireland from a child poverty perspective and from that of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It draws upon research undertaken in early 2001 on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council among asylum seeker families with children in Cork, Limerick and Ennis on their experiences of poverty and social exclusion. The research was primarily qualitative. Interviews with adult members of households and some children were triangulated with data on benefit entitlements and take-up, household consumption, accommodation and amenities. The research sought to ascertain levels of income poverty and material deprivation. A range of indictors of child poverty and social exclusion were also employed. The research found that asylum seeker children experienced extreme income poverty, material deprivation, housing deprivation and social exclusion in considerable part due to the imposition of a system of lesser welfare entitlements, known as "direct provision", introduced in April 2000. The paper argues that state-fostered social exclusion of asylum seeker children resulting from "direct provision" is contrary to Ireland's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the goals of the National Children's Strategy and the goals of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy.
This paper evaluates responses to asylum seeker children in Ireland from a child poverty perspective and from that of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It draws upon research undertaken in early 2001 on behalf of the Irish Refugee Council among asylum seeker families with children in Cork, Limerick and Ennis on their experiences of poverty and social exclusion. The research was primarily qualitative. Interviews with adult members of households and some children were triangulated with data on benefit entitlements and take-up, household consumption, accommodation and amenities. The research sought to ascertain levels of income poverty and material deprivation. A range of indictors of child poverty and social exclusion were also employed. The research found that asylum seeker children experienced extreme income poverty, material deprivation, housing deprivation and social exclusion in considerable part due to the imposition of a system of lesser welfare entitlements, known as "direct provision", introduced in April 2000. The paper argues that state-fostered social exclusion of asylum seeker children resulting from "direct provision" is contrary to Ireland's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the goals of the National Children's Strategy and the goals of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy.
Subject terms:
refugees, social exclusion, social care provision, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, United Nations, benefits, child care, childrens rights, families;
The aim of this research was to examine and develop the evidence for good practice in social care for asylum seekers and refugees in order to develop a resource guide for social care practice in this area. Services for adults, older people, children and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland were considered. The research comprised a focused literature review and a practice survey. The practice survey explored current practice in this area through 6 focus groups with asylum seekers and refugees; a national survey of 525 organisations including local authorities, care group organisations and refugee and community organisations; and follow up fieldwork. The findings are used to provide an overview of the social care needs of asylum seekers and refugees and to identify suggested good the wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees; the development of strong multiagency partnerships with a clear focus on asylum seekers and refugees; the development of a local strategy based on a joint strategic needs assessment to enable the planning and development of services; methods for engaging with and involving asylum seekers and refugees in the development of services; workforce development;
The aim of this research was to examine and develop the evidence for good practice in social care for asylum seekers and refugees in order to develop a resource guide for social care practice in this area. Services for adults, older people, children and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland were considered. The research comprised a focused literature review and a practice survey. The practice survey explored current practice in this area through 6 focus groups with asylum seekers and refugees; a national survey of 525 organisations including local authorities, care group organisations and refugee and community organisations; and follow up fieldwork. The findings are used to provide an overview of the social care needs of asylum seekers and refugees and to identify suggested good practice in meeting needs. Areas for suggested good practice are made under the headings: ensuring access; effective communication and advocacy; comprehensive needs-led assessment; personalised high-quality service provision; facilitating self-organisation and innovation. Six critical steps were identified to provide a foundation for this practice: securing organisational commitment to promoting the wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees; the development of strong multiagency partnerships with a clear focus on asylum seekers and refugees; the development of a local strategy based on a joint strategic needs assessment to enable the planning and development of services; methods for engaging with and involving asylum seekers and refugees in the development of services; workforce development; and regular monitoring and review. Policy, practice and research implications are discussed.
Subject terms:
multicultural approach, needs, needs assessment, refugees, social care, social care provision, user views, access to services, advocacy, asylum seekers, anti-discriminatory practice, good practice;
This plan has been developed in response to the challenges and risks facing children, young people and their families in Northern Ireland due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is intended to reflect a series of activities that will be, or have been, undertaken across the Executive to meet the needs of vulnerable children, young people and their families during this time and in the recovery period after. The aim of the plan is to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people during the Covid-19 pandemic period within the home environment and within the wider community; and to strengthen system capacity to respond to current challenges and risks; and rebuild services. This consultation seek to ensure to ensure the plan reflects the activities that are being undertaken to support children and vulnerable families during Covid-19; reflects how services have adapted and enhanced provision to continue to support children and families during Covid-19; and includes new actions, which have been undertaken specifically to address some of lockdown's risks and challenges.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This plan has been developed in response to the challenges and risks facing children, young people and their families in Northern Ireland due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is intended to reflect a series of activities that will be, or have been, undertaken across the Executive to meet the needs of vulnerable children, young people and their families during this time and in the recovery period after. The aim of the plan is to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people during the Covid-19 pandemic period within the home environment and within the wider community; and to strengthen system capacity to respond to current challenges and risks; and rebuild services. This consultation seek to ensure to ensure the plan reflects the activities that are being undertaken to support children and vulnerable families during Covid-19; reflects how services have adapted and enhanced provision to continue to support children and families during Covid-19; and includes new actions, which have been undertaken specifically to address some of lockdown's risks and challenges.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
child protection, Covid-19, children, young people, vulnerable children, wellbeing, childrens social care, children in need, looked after children, special educational needs, asylum seekers, refugees;