Case studies

Barnet has increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) moving into their area, all needing tailored support from social, welfare and educational services up to the age of 25. Based on experience, the council is developing a specialist team particularly skilled and experienced to work with UASC. This team has identified gaps in UASC support locally, such as educational engagement and access to finances, and has taken steps to address these.

Castle Point Borough Council's challenge was to create effective and efficient structures as part of their organisation review. The council achieved this through using the Decision-Making Accountability (DMA) approach, as part of their organisation review and an opportunity for their employees to engage during this process.

Suffolk is receiving increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) with a diverse range of needs. To meet the resulting challenges, the council has developed a large dedicated UASC and care leaving team with specialist knowledge and experience.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council has built on links with partner organisations in the community to be able to offer a more holistic package of support to Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) moving into their area. This includes providing essentials to children and young people as they arrive, through to suitable accommodation as well as providing ongoing community support networks.

As the number and regularity of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) arriving in Sutton increases, the council have reviewed how best to support these young people in their community. The authority have looked at how the same high standards of support their social care team provides to all children and young people can be tailored to meet the particular needs of UASC.

The London Borough of Hillingdon council wants to maintain its status as a Disability Confident Leader and continue to make progress in being a more inclusive employer for people with disabilities. Using the Disability Confident framework, they are continuing to develop activities and make changes to a range of employment practices to support cultural and behavioural change in the organisation.

Stockport proactively and strategically responded to the introduction of the mandatory National Transfer Scheme (NTS) in July 2022 in readiness to meet the demands of caring for increasing numbers of Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC). Stockport have worked in partnership to redesign their processes, including efficiently managing referrals, finding placements swiftly, and upskilling their teams.

Lincolnshire County Council have sought a different way to support their care experienced children with their mental health. Knowing that there are sometimes long waiting times for specialist support, the council identified a way to support social work staff to hold the mental health and emotional wellbeing needs of care associated children.

Under the umbrella of their City of Sanctuary work, Portsmouth City Council are providing broader outreach and support for their Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children. This is known as the 'starting out' programme.

Bath and North East Somerset Council introduced variable pricing at the Roman Baths in 2019. 4 years on, visitor enjoyment has increased, demand peaks are a thing of the past, and revenues are contributing to the council’s broader statutory responsibilities.