Asylum claims
Personal advisor
You will be allocated a Personal Advisor when you turn 16, who will work alongside your social worker to support you. Your Personal Advisor will take over as your main point of contact when you turn 18 years old.
16 plus
A plan for the future is drawn up. This plan is your Pathway Plan and must be written and agreed by the time you are 16 and 3 months. It's reviewed at least once every 6 months. This will include a 'triple plan' which helps you to understand all potential outcomes of your asylum claim and what this means for you.
Asylum claims
Whilst you have an active asylum claim with the Home Office, the Local Authority will support you by funding suitable accommodation and a weekly allowance so you have access to money for food and essentials.
If you are refused asylum and leave to remain you must let us know immediately so we can check:
- that you understand what this means
- what you need to do to get legal advice
- if you can legally appeal or make a new claim for asylum
If you change your solicitor please inform us and:
- ensure that you have the letter and any other Home office papers about the decision in a safe place
- if you already have your travel documents keep them in a safe place
- if you have not yet received your travel documents then you must inform your solicitor of your new address so that it can be sent to you
18 plus
Depending on the status and outcome of your asylum claim, you may continue to be supported by the Leaving Care team when you turn 18 years old.
If you are granted refugee status you may be entitled to mainstream benefits beyond 18 years old. You will also be entitled to the housing options for all Care Leavers, found in the 'housing' section of this website. You will be responsible for applying for indefinite leave to remain before your refugee status expires.