If you are a child or young person seeking asylum and in the care of Nottinghamshire, support is available for you. The UASC Team will help you understand your options, explore your future, and get the support you need.
You can also download the full Local Offer for Care Leavers Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Offer [PDF].
On this page
- Being a Care Leaver
- The Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Team
- Your Asylum Application
- Education and Achievement
- Life in the UK
- Housing
- Being Healthy and Happy
- Being Safe
- Contacts and Agencies
Being a care leaver
If you are under 18, you will be looked after by Nottinghamshire County Council, just like any other child or young person who needs support.
When you turn 18, you will no longer be looked after, and you will be classed as a care leaver.
As a care leaver, you may be entitled to support through Nottinghamshire’s Local Offer for Care Leavers. This could include:
- Support from a personal adviser until your 21st birthday
- Support from the 21Plus Service until your 25th birthday
Your rights as a care leaver may be affected by the Home Office’s decision about your asylum claim. Your personal adviser or solicitor can help you understand how this decision may affect the support you receive.
The Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) team
Nottinghamshire has a specialist UASC Team made up of social workers and personal advisers. They work with asylum-seeking young people until their 21st birthday. After that, you may receive support from the 21Plus Service until age 25.
The UASC Team understands the challenges faced by young people seeking asylum. They will help you adjust to life in the UK and explore the support you need as a care leaver. This includes things like where you live, your college or work plans, and how to look after your health and wellbeing.
These conversations will be part of your Pathway Plan.
Triple planning
If you haven’t yet received a decision from the Home Office about your asylum claim, your Pathway Plan will include three possible options:
- A plan for your future if you are granted leave to remain in the UK
- A plan while you are still waiting for a decision or appeal outcome
- A plan in case your application is refused and you cannot appeal
Some of these discussions may be difficult, especially when thinking about a refusal. The UASC Team will always be honest with you and help you plan for all outcomes—both positive and challenging.
The team must follow asylum and immigration laws. If the law says you are no longer eligible for support from the UASC Team or 21Plus Service, they will explain this and help you find other sources of support
Your asylum application
A solicitor will help you complete your asylum application within the timescales set by the Home Office. The UASC Team will support you during meetings with the Home Office to talk about your claim. These meetings may be held at the UASC Team office.
You will be supported before, during and after your interview, especially if the conversation is difficult or upsetting.
Types of leave granted
Refugee Status
This is given to someone recognised as a refugee. It usually allows you to stay in the UK for five years. After five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Indefinite Leave to Remain / Humanitarian Protection
This status means you are allowed to stay in the UK permanently. This is also a temporary leave for 5 years and doesn’t grant permanent leave
Discretionary Leave
This is given if you are not granted refugee status or humanitarian protection, but the Home Office agrees there are other strong reasons for you to stay in the UK temporarily.
When you receive a decision from the Home Office, we will explain what this means to you and make sure that you have access to legal advice.
Education and achievement
While waiting for a decision from the Home Office, you may not be allowed to work. During this time, you will be encouraged to attend school or college to learn English and develop skills in areas such as Maths and IT.
Learning English for the first time is called ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). If you have attended school in your home country, your college will help you learn English at the right level for you.
Support available
- Personal Education Plans (until your 18th birthday)
- Access to a specialist achievement adviser
- Employability briefings
- Financial support with transport to and from school or college
- Help with specialist equipment, books or course materials
- Volunteering and work experience opportunities
Life in the UK
Living in a new area, surrounded by unfamiliar people and a different language, can feel overwhelming at first.
You will be supported by interpreters to help you communicate clearly. Your cultural, religious and dietary needs will be respected, and you will be supported to connect with local organisations and community groups that reflect your background and beliefs.
Housing
When you first arrive in Nottinghamshire, you will be provided with suitable accommodation. This may be with a foster family, in supported lodgings, or in a shared house with staff support. You will always have your own room.
From age 18, you will be supported to become more independent. If you are living with a foster carer, you may be able to stay there under the ‘Staying Put’ scheme.
If you are granted Leave to Remain, you can apply for a council tenancy at 18, with high priority as a care leaver within Nottinghamshire
Being healthy and happy
Looking after your physical and mental health is important. You will be supported to register with a doctor, dentist, and optician, and can access mental health support if needed.
You may also be able to apply for the You Know Your Mind fund, which offers financial support for activities or resources that help improve emotional wellbeing.
Being safe
Feeling safe and understanding life in the UK is important. If there are any concerns about your safety, the UASC Team may need to work with the police or other organisations. You will be kept informed and supported throughout.
If you ever feel worried or unsafe, speak to your social worker or personal adviser.
Contacts and agencies
You can contact your social worker or personal adviser in the UASC Team using their direct contact details, or via:
Telephone: 0115 977 3300
Email: uasc@nottscc.gov.uk