Refugee Council - Independent Unaccompanied Asylum- Seeking Children Support Service (IUSS)
The Refugee Council’s Children’s Panel provides advice and support to separated (unaccompanied) children and young people seeking asylum. The Children’s Panel is funded by the Home Office but we are a fully independent organisation and provide independent advice.
The Children's Advisor, can offer:
• Advice about the asylum process and related matters to separated children and professionals involved. All Children’s Advisors are registered with the IAA (formerly OISC) at Level 1.
• Advocacy for the young person in the form of acting as appropriate/responsible adult during meetings and interviews (e.g LAC reviews, Home office interviews, age assessments).
• Referrals to other services (e.g immigrations/welfare solicitors, Red Cross family tracing, social clubs).
• A means of linking up different professionals involved in the care and support of separated asylum seeking children and young people.
How to access:
Make a referral through the helpline - 0207 346 1134
Young people can contact the freephone helpline 0808 175 3499 or message via Whatsapp 07888 866 615
Paper referral form available for professionals on request.
- Young People
- Health and Wellbeing
- Phone
- Self Referral
- Helpline
- IAA Level 1 (previously OISC)
- Unaccompanied Children
07888 866 615
0808 175 3499
020 7346 1134
Service is operating at normal capacity.
(last updated - 25/06/25)
Professional Phoneline Monday - Friday
Hours: 09:00 - 17:30
Immigration Status: Refused Asylum Seeker, Asylum Seeker
Maximum Age: 18
Region: National
You can use this service if you are in the UK without a parent or guardian, or any professional supporting a child who is in the UK without a parent or guardian.
Languages: On Request