MPs to establish panel to examine support for young asylum seekers

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 19/11/2012 17:33

A PANEL led by the UK’s former Children’s Minister Sarah Teather is to examine how children and families are supported under the Home Office system for asylum seekers.

The group of cross-party MPs and peers will be holding an evidence session tomorrow to look at whether the asylum support system meets the needs of children and young people.

The Children’s Society, will help the group with its investigations by providing evidence on children and youngpeople within the asylum system.

Ms Teather said: “I have met hundreds of families who have fled terrible violence and persecution, who have been to hell and back and are desperate to make a better life for their children.

“But for many, the initial relief of arriving here safely is overshadowed by the isolation and poverty they experience within the asylum support system. I have launched this inquiry, together with cross-party MPs and peers and with help from The Children’s Society, to gather evidence and a greater understanding of how the system we have currently supports children and families.”

Matthew Reed, chief Executive of the Children’s Society, said: “This evidence session is vital in understanding how children are affected. Through our work we see every day how families are struggling to survive, to provide their children with even the very basics. We are grateful to Sarah Teather for launching this inquiry to build a clearer picture of the support system and to make sure that every child has a decent start in life.”