Age assessment practice guidance for Scotland

Appendix 9: Guardianship Scotland

The Guardianship Scotland is an additional national support service funded by the Scottish Government and delivered in a partnership between Aberlour and the Scottish Refugee Council; Aberlour will be the lead provider from 2025. The service works with children and young people who arrive in Scotland unaccompanied and separated from their families, providing support to unaccompanied asylum seeking and trafficked children and young people.

Guardians support young people by helping them navigate the immigration and welfare processes, and feel supported and empowered throughout the asylum process, assisting them to access help when they need it and make informed decisions about their future.

Local authorities have statutory responsibilities for the provisions of care and support to Looked After Children and the Guardianship Scotland can work in partnership with local authorities to provide additional support to unaccompanied young people (age does not require to be assessed prior to referral and engagement). The service may also be able to assist social workers in identifying country specific information such as cultural practices etc which could contribute to age assessments. Further information about the current services can be accessed here: Aberlour | Guardianship Scotland: National Child Trafficking Support Service