Letter: Fighting child refugees’ corner

IN ANNA Burnside’s otherwise insightful and sensitively written piece in Spectrum magazine, titled Gimme Shelter (6 May), it was not made clear that the Scottish Guardianship Service was conceived, developed and is run by the Scottish Refugee Council. We deliver the service in partnership with Aberlour Child Care Trust.

The service became operational in September 2010 and is funded by the Scottish Government, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Big Lottery until early 2013. The pilot will then be evaluated to determine its future.

As is apparent from the interviews with young people featured, this service is something they value and we hope to find a way to ensure that they continue to be supported. Meanwhile, we need to push for a child-friendly asylum system which recognises their vulnerability and is proud to offer protection to those who need it most.

Jackie Hothersall, Director of Children and Families Services; Teresa Gallagher, Deputy Chief Executive, Scottish Refugee Council