Media Statement | Child protection and safeguarding must remain at the centre of age assessments

Responding to reports that almost 300 asylum seekers who initially claimed to be children were later determined to be adults, EPIC said that it is important to recognise both the complexity of age assessment processes and the serious consequences of getting decisions wrong.

Wayne Stanley, CEO of EPIC, said: “It is important that the conversation does not lose sight of vulnerable children seeking protection who may be wrongly treated as adults and placed into adult accommodation settings without the care and supports they need.”

“Our research with young people and frontline professionals found that some children whose ages were disputed were placed in adult accommodation, emergency settings and, in some cases, homelessness while awaiting decisions.”

Age assessments are highly complex and often involve young people who have experienced trauma, displacement, conflict and loss.

“Many young people arrive in Ireland without documentation, or after journeys and experiences that can affect their ability to communicate information about themselves. These are difficult and high-stakes decisions with life-changing consequences for vulnerable young people”, said Wayne Stanley.

The consequences of an incorrect age determination can extend far beyond accommodation and impact a young person’s access to care, education, healthcare, stability and family reunification rights.

A robust and properly resourced age assessment system at the point of entry, improved interagency communication to support consistent decision-making, and continued investment in trauma-informed supports are needed for vulnerable young people seeking international protection.

ENDS

Notes

EPIC published research examining the experiences of separated children seeking international protection in Ireland. The report, “Be Strong – There’s so many problems waiting”: The Experiences of Separated Children Seeking International Protection in Ireland, was conducted by Dr Muireann Ní Raghallaigh, Dr Joanne Kelleher and Professor Prospera Tedam of UCD’s School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, with funding from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission.