Age assessment practice guidance for Scotland

Appendix 1: Sample Initial Presentation Decision Recording

Please note: in recording any information for the purposes of initial decision making, action must be compliant with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and relevant human rights and data protection legislation

Personal details

• Name
• Stated date of birth and date of birth assigned by Home Office
• Home Office and Port reference
• Home country and city
• Gender
• First language
• Referral source

Enquiry details

• Date of brief enquiry
• Venue
• Lead social worker
• Second worker

Interpreter details

• Did they attend in person?
• Name
• Language
• Reason(s) if no interpreter present

Responsible adult details

• Did they attend in person?
• Name
• Organisation
• Reason(s) if no responsible adult present

Introductions and consents

• Explain purpose of assessment, outcomes and format
• Ask and record whether person feels well enough to be interviewed.
• Explain roles of those present
• Request consents such as to take photo or to share report

Young person’s narrative

• How the young person knows their DOB.
• Migration journey and how it was arranged
• Life events (e.g attending or finishing school)
• Family links already in the UK

Observations

• Observations of appearance and demeanour should be noted but should not be solely relied upon
• Consider trafficking indicators, welfare concerns, disabilities, learning difficulties.
• Could child or young person be pregnant?

Other sources of information

• Does the young person have documentation?
• Have they come into contact with other professionals who can provide information? Police, medical professionals, key workers, other local authorities?

Additional comments from young person

• Offer young person opportunity to ask questions or share information they feel relevant.

Minded to discussion

• Questions for clarification
• Any doubts put to young person
• Responses

Conclusion

• Document rationale
• Consider margin of error

Post enquiry:

• Outcome of brief enquiry shared with YP
• Outcome shared with Home Office