This chapter features Holly Anderson, a Canadian social worker temporarily working in the United Kingdom. She gives a description of her typical working day, which involves visiting unaccompanied minors who have arrived in the UK under challenging circumstances. Her main task is to assess and document their progress as required by the Children Act of 1989. On this particular day, she visits three children aged between twelve and eighteen. Holly travels by switching tubes, taking a train, and finally a bus to reach a foster care home where her first client, Mahammed, an Afghan immigrant, resides. Mahammed is only twelve years old and struggles to understand why Holly won't let him live with his fictitious cousin, who she suspects is involved in child smuggling. After addressing Mahammed's concerns, Holly proceeds to the next foster home to meet her next client, Alban. A
...lban is almost eighteen and will soon become eligible for financial, housing, and educational support. However, his future appears grim as he has not received an 'Exceptional Leave' permit to continue residing in the UK. Once the meeting concludes, Holly returns to the office where she meets her final client, Hassan, who migrated from Somalia.Despite being granted indefinite leave to reside in the UK, he is filled with vitality and exuberance, making him the least of her concerns. However, upon examining the challenges confronting these three boys, one cannot help but question the significant disparities in their circumstances. Are the provisions outlined in the Children Act adequately addressing the requirements of these children? Furthermore, does the Immigration Act present a clash of principles with the Children's Act?
During her visits, Holly gathers a wealth o
information about her clients' situations. Firstly, Muhammed is feeling unsettled, distraught, and anxious to live with a family member. Secondly, Alban is nervous and unsure about what lies ahead. Finally, Holly discovers that Hassan has accepted his destiny and is fully committed to his future. While the 'Looked after Children' program is seen as highly successful, it is deeply troubling that this system takes away from these children what it has aimed to provide them with: a new beginning once they reach the age of eighteen.
In conclusion, Holly's experiences are both humbling and insightful. She has come to understand the harrowing experiences that these children go through in order to have a second chance in stable and democratic countries like the United Kingdom. Additionally, she also develops an appreciation for the stability in her home country of Canada.
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