The costs and benefits of guardianship for unaccompanied and separated migrant children

This report from UNICEF UK and The Children’s Society assesses the costs and financial benefits of establishing a legal guardianship service to protect and support unaccompanied and separated migrant children living in the UK – including potential victims of child trafficking.

Around 2500-3000 separated children arrive in the UK alone each year. Their vulnerabilities are widely recognised. Without guardians, many separated children do not experience the safety and support they are entitled to.

For every £1 spent on a guardianship service over three years, as much as £1.25 could be saved.