Introduction This article discusses the dilemma that social workers face in deciding whether or not to join the National Age Assessment Board (NAAB), a new Home Office agency responsible for assessing the ages of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has raised concerns about NAAB’s independence, transparency, and impact on child […]
Free online webnair – Age assessments made simple
Determining someone’s age has undergone several changes over the years, and while specific guidelines do not exist for conducting these assessments, courts have provided some direction. Age assessments that comply with Merton guidelines do not adhere to a set checklist, but instead require social workers to conduct a reasonable investigation based on the facts of […]
Asylum seekers often flee their home countries without proper identification documents, making it difficult to determine their age accurately. This can have serious consequences, as their age impacts their legal status and the services they may be eligible for. For example, minors may be entitled to special protections and accommodations. It’s important to prioritize lawful […]
