Separated Children Seeking International Protection
Separated children seeking international protection are defined as children under eighteen years of age who are outside their country of origin, who may be in need of international protection and are separated from their parents or their legal/customary care giver.
Many of these children may have high levels of vulnerability and have experienced significant trauma either in their country of origin or on their journey to Ireland. Many face problems and challenges on issues including separation and bereavement from family and friends, social isolation, language barriers, emotional and mental health problems, discrimination and racism. In addition, they must live with the anxiety of possible removal from the country or uncertainty as to their future.
In June 2026 new legislation was enacted in Ireland called the International Protection Act 2026. Under this new legislation some key changes in the processing of applications for international protection are being implemented. These changes include but are not limited to:
- Allocation by the International Protection Office of Representative person to the unaccompanied minor to inform, support and accompany them through the international protection process.
- Screening of minors by the International Protection Office, including age assessments where necessary.
- New rules around family reunification.
- New systems for processing international protection applications both at an agency and interagency level.
Services provided
All separated children arriving at an Irish port of entry seeking international protection will be allocated a Representative person as described under the new International Protection Act 2026. They will be screened by the Department of Justice, including undergoing age assessment when deemed necessary. Following screening individuals will be allocated a pathway and for minors this may mean a referral to Tusla. While a minor is in the process of being screened, they will be accommodated in a Tusla run residential centre. Once a formal referral is made through the Tusla portal each child will met with by a Tusla staff member on the day of referral where an assessment will be conducted. A plan around their care will be developed and all separated children under 12 years will be in so far as is possible be placed with a foster care family. Those over 12 years may be placed in a short-to-medium term residential intake unit registered as a children’s homes. Unaccompanied minors are accommodated in these units to facilitate a risk and needs assessment (including health, education, and interests) which allows for better matching with onward placements.
The assessment process through the gathering and analysis of information provided by the child allows for the
- Possibility of family reunification in Ireland or another country;
- Possibility of return to country of origin where requested;
- Medical screening and follow up medical care if necessary;
- Trafficking assessment and abuse disclosure;
- Psychology assessment and intervention if indicated;
- Social Care Worker assessment and care;
- Educational assessment;
- Obtaining of a PPSN number;
- Commencement of international protection application;
- DNA testing for reunifications that present in Dublin where doubt exists re: authenticity. Results will help inform the child’s placement; with family or in care.
Assessment of children’s needs and well-being is an ongoing process, and care plans may adapt or change as new needs emerge of as needs change. After the Tusla initial assessment period, children are placed in the most appropriate placement option available depending on their identified needs at that time.
The SCSIP team also operates a family reunification assessment service whereby immigration authorities, in accordance with the International Protection Act 2026 refer children presenting with families or adults in cases where parentage or guardianship is unclear. In such instances Tusla regional offices may be involved.
Tusla SCSIP has a dedicated aftercare service to meet the unique needs of separated children as they transition from their care placements, it aims to support them with their transition into adulthood and independence in Ireland.
Since 2016, the Separated Children Seeking International Protection service has been working with the EU relocation programme for refugee children arriving at hotspots in Europe such as Greece, Italy, Malta and Calais.
Report a concern
From September 2024, SCSIP Services require all referrals to be submitted through the Tusla Portal : https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/web-portal/.
This is to ensure all referrals are captured and prioritised appropriately as well as protecting the personal data of those being referred.
This includes the following types of referrals from the International Protection Office, Border Management Unit and An Garda Siochana, all re-referrals to Tusla must come with identification documents, and or evidence of minority.:
- Referrals of new young people who are/have been screened by the IPO as minors.
- Referrals stating presumption of minority.
- Requests following new information which upholds an appeal on age following refusal on the grounds of age.
For further information on the International Protection Act 2026 please follow the links below:
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2026/act/9/schedule/1/enacted/en/html