A NEW regional `guardian' service has been launched in Northern Ireland to support children who are victims of human trafficking, as well as those who are separated from their families and their home countries.
The new Barnardo’s service is funded by the Health Social Care Board.
It has been introduced in law under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (NI) Act 2015 which was brought forward by DUP MLA Lord Maurice Morrow.
It will see `guardians' undertake a crucial role for children who are victims or potential victims of trafficking and those who are separated.
Over the last three years, an average of 13 separated children have been referred to Northern Ireland health trusts.
The charity said these children often face great anxiety and uncertainty about their futures and must also navigate a number of unfamiliar processes to reach durable solutions about their future.
The service will work to strengthen the safeguarding arrangements to such children and specifically to assist, represent and support them by listening to their views and making representation to, and liaising closely with, all other agencies that fulfil key functions in the arrangements for their immediate and future care and protection.
Lynda Wilson, Director of Barnardo’s NI, said the charity was "very pleased to be providing this service for some of the most vulnerable children and young people".
"Sadly there are increasing numbers of separated and trafficked children in Northern Ireland and trying to navigate through the legal processes can be an overwhelming experience for them especially when they are so young, are on their own and often have limited to no English," she said.
"Some of the countries these children are coming from include Sudan, Somalia, Albania and China. Our Independent Guardians will be qualified to assist with legal advice and support on immigration and asylum matters concerning these children".
She added: "The aim of the Independent Guardian Service is to provide specialist knowledge to safeguard and promote the welfare of child victims of human trafficking and always act in the best interest of the child".
