Protecting unaccompanied children and child victims of human trafficking and modern slavery
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An unaccompanied child is a person under the age of 18 who has been separated from both parents and other relatives and is not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so.
The following guidance has been developed by the Health and Social Care Board, in consultation with the Department of Health, to provide information on the arrangements in place to identify and support unaccompanied children in Northern Ireland, and ensure that their needs are met.
Human trafficking is an offence. It involves arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to them being exploited. Modern slavery is an umbrella term used to describe slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. The Health and Social Care Board and the Police Service for Northern Ireland have developed the following guidance to provide information on the arrangements in place to identify and support child victims and potential victims of these offences.